Kids banned at Singapore restaurants

Tough luck kiddies, you've got to be at least 13 years old to dine at PS. Cafe @ ASH Park.There is a popular saying that goes, "Kids should be seen and not heard."

Some Singapore restaurants, not just the fine-dining eateries, aren't taking the chance that the little tykes will comply and are banning young children from their premises. 

PS. Cafe at Ang Siang Hill boldly states on a sign at its front entrance that it's "adults and teenagers only" at its newest branch. However, families with young children are welcome to dine at their other three outlets.

According to a report by The Straits Times, the restaurant allows only patrons aged 13 years and older to dine there. The report goes on to quote the chain's business development manager, Mr. Edward Lee, as saying that while it was a difficult decision, it was implemented from a practical and safety point of view.

PS. Cafe isn't alone. There are a number of other restaurants that aren't afraid to state their preference for diners of a certain age group.

Fine-dining restaurant Gunther’s Modern French Cuisine on Purvis Street states on its website, "Gunther's has a no children under the age of 7 policy at the restaurant."

Similarly, Japanese restaurant Kuriya Penthouse also states on its website that it has a no-children policy, but makes an exception on Sundays and public holidays for children above the age of six.

For some, this ruling is more than welcome.

"As much as I love children, I want to eat my meal in peace with no crying babies and kids running around the table," says Leong Yuet Har, a regular PS. Cafe patron.

"I am all for banning kids under 12 years old," says Patricia Chong, a mother of two teenagers. "My reasoning is if you have paid for a babysitter on a night out away from screaming kids, the last thing you want is to encounter it during your hard-earned meal or date."

"I think it is a great idea," says Mrs. S. Bett, an expectant mother. "Mealtimes are sacred and when there is food on the table -- be it at a meal at Les Amis or McDonald's or in your own home -- children (if seen) should definitely not be heard.

"My husband and I have already decided that we will teach our kids to sit up, shut up and eat their food like mini-adults.

"If they don't, we won't take them out with us, it's just not fair to other diners."