A branch of Wetherspoon has told parents they can no longer have more than two drinks if they have children in tow.

KentOnline understands a poster informing punters of the policy was put up at the Robert Pocock in Windmill Street, Gravesend last Sunday following "unruly behaviour".

The notice has since been taken down but the policy, which can be enforced by individual managers nationwide, remains in place.

It stated: "As part of our licensing it is our responsibility to ensure that we are protecting children from harm.

"Therefore adults in charge of children will be allowed to have one alcoholic drink and a further alcoholic drink with a sit down meal."

It went on to add after the limit had been reached staff would have the "legal right to refuse service of alcohol" to customers.

The boozer said the policy had not been "followed rigorously" in the past but it would be taking the policy forward this year.

Being drunk while in charge of a child under the age of seven in a public place is illegal according to a 1902 licencing act.

Those found in contravention of the rules can face a fine or even a month in prison in more severe cases.

Publication of the notice sparked debate on social media with many agreeing "Spoons was not a nursery", while others felt the move smacked of a "nanny state".

Customer Jonjo O'Connell said he agreed with the rule "in principle" although felt enforced in isolation it might be open for abuse.

He said: "Considering the type of parent it is aimed at, a pub is not a creche and I think some parents seem to forget that!

"Although I anticipate the rule will be circumvented by some just going around the corner to The Goose and staying there or returning later to the Pocock when a different shift arrives."

The drinking hole has since taken the notice down.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "The notice was briefly up in the pub, but this is no longer the case.

"The manager took the decision to put the poster in the pub to emphasise to customers that she would not allow parents to drink whilst their children were running round uncontrolled in the pub.

"The notice had a positive effect, with mostly good feedback."

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