NY restaurant enforces ‘one drink’ policy on parents

A New York restaurant has banned at least one adult dining with children from drinking more than one alcoholic beverage in a bid to reduce collisions caused by drink driving.

The policy means that at least one responsible adult is limited to only one alcoholic beverage

Enforced with the “safety of the children” in mind, the Peddlers Bar and Bistro, in Clifton Park, New York, introduced the policy seven years ago, but the rule has only recently been brought to the attention of social media. 

The policy means that staff will refuse to serve a second alcohol beverage to any adult driving with children.  

Explaining the policy, the restaurant has told its customers: “The commitment to end fatalities from drinking and driving requires all of us to participate.

“Each of us take part in this mission in our own unique way. We at Peddlers will limit one of the responsible adults to one alcoholic beverage while dining with children.”

The policy is explained to customers early on with any not willing to comply asked to leave. Reactions to the policy have been mixed, with some praising the restaurant for enforcing a practical rule in the name of safety, while others accused it of nannying parents. 

One Twitter used said: “I’m not going to do Jell-O shots off my toddler’s tummy, but if I want 2 glasses of wine w my dinner, I’m going to have 2 glasses of wine.”

Another, with humour, added: “I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. You can’t deal with the kids at dinner on one drink. #kidding #kindof.”

The restaurant’s manager, Melissa Gravelle, said the policy is about giving children a voice.

“I could never live with myself knowing that I killed somebody driving,” she said. “I could never do that so and it’s a choice that you can avoid.”

Another Twitter user agreed: “I don’t see a problem – don’t like their rules, don’t go to their restaurant. Simple. I commend them for this and would support them.”