The Lower Red Lion in St Albans faces mixed reactions over its long-standing ‘dog-friendly, child-free’ policy after a sign goes viral online.
The Lower Red Lion pub in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has recently come under the spotlight due to a “dog-friendly, child-free” sign that went viral on social media. The pub’s landlord, David Worcester, confirmed that the policy has been in effect for around 11 years but only captured widespread attention following the recent online sharing of the sign’s photograph. Despite receiving backlash from some quarters for being discriminatory against parents and children, the policy also found support locally and internationally, with many appreciating the establishment’s aim to provide a disturbance-free environment for its patrons.
Worcester defended the policy by stating that the intention behind it is to ensure a peaceful atmosphere where adults could relax without disruptions typically associated with children. He mentioned receiving encouraging messages from supporters as far away as Australia and Bristol, indicating a broader acceptance and appreciation of the policy among some segments of the public.
The landlord expressed no opposition to children in other venues but emphasized his commitment to maintaining the specific ambiance he desires for the Lower Red Lion. He reiterated that while his pub does not cater to children, there are numerous other child-friendly and dog-friendly options available in the area. Worcester remains steadfast in his belief that the child-free policy is crucial for the type of environment he seeks to offer at his establishment.
