A simple sign requesting children to remain seated has turned into a debate about hospitality that's got everyone talking. When a mum snapped a photo of Laguna Blu Bar & Dining's policy notice and shared it online, she probably didn't expect it to land on national television with Nat Barr weighing in.
Yet, that's exactly what happened when Brie Rockliffe posted the image with the cheeky caption: 'Breakfast with a side of unrealistic expectations.' The sign at the Port Stephens restaurant read: 'We appreciate well-behaved children, and require them to remain seated at all times.'
A sophisticated venue with poolside perils
Located within the upscale Oaks Pacific Blue Resort at Salamander Bay, Laguna Blu Bar & Dining specialises in authentic Italian cuisine with panoramic views of Port Stephens. This isn't your typical family pub with plastic chairs and kid-friendly chaos—it's an elegant establishment that has positioned itself as a premier dining destination, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a memorable culinary experience.
The restaurant's location adds crucial context to their safety concerns. Nestled in the beautiful grounds of the resort, diners can chill out alfresco poolside [6], but this creates genuine hazards. The venue's smooth concrete and marble surfaces near the infinity pool become slippery when wet—a recipe for disaster when combined with excited children and waitstaff carrying hot dishes.
When breakfast TV weighs in
The social media storm caught the attention of Sunrise host Nat Barr, who discussed the controversy with Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli. Her take was refreshingly practical: the sign likely resulted from previous incidents involving children running underfoot while staff carried hot food and drinks.
Zempilas felt the wording was 'a tiny bit extreme,' advocating for balance between child control and restaurant tolerance. Meanwhile, Mayor Natoli highlighted the impracticality of the 'at all times' requirement, pointing out that children need to move around for basic needs, such as bathroom visits.
The restaurant's seemingly harsh policy makes more sense when you discover they've dealt with situations where uncontrolled children caused other customers to leave the restaurant entirely. Management has stated they 'love having family groups and children at our restaurant provided they are respectful of the other diners and of our staff, but 'will not accept reckless behaviour.'
This context transforms the debate from 'unreasonable restaurant owners' to 'businesses trying to protect all guests while maintaining safety standards.'
The great parenting divide
The online response split faster than a toddler's attention span. Supporters argued that keeping children seated isn't unreasonable, with comments like 'If you can't keep your children seated, don't take them out.' Critics, including Rockliffe herself, questioned whether it was realistic to expect all children to remain perfectly still throughout an entire meal.
Rockliffe later clarified her position wasn't anti-restaurant but anti-harsh wording: 'I completely understand and agree with the logic behind wanting kids to stay safe and respectful at the table. I just felt the wording of the sign came across a little harsh or unwelcoming.'
Finding the middle ground
The restaurant eventually issued a statement explaining its reasoning, emphasising safety as the primary concern. They reiterated their welcome to families while highlighting genuine hazards, such as slippery surfaces and staff carrying hot items.
Tips for stress-free family dining
- Choose family-friendly venues for casual meals, upscale restaurants for special occasions when children can handle expectations
- Bring quiet activities and snacks for potential wait times
- Have clear behaviour expectations before entering
- Consider timing—earlier meals often work better for young children
- Don't hesitate to take walking breaks outside if needed
What other parents need to know
This controversy highlights a broader tension in Australian hospitality. Restaurants walk a fine line between welcoming families and maintaining the experience for all diners. Some establishments actively cater to families with kids' menus and play areas, while others focus on adult dining experiences.
The smartest approach? Know your audience and choose accordingly. A toddler's birthday celebration might be better suited to a family pub than an infinity poolside Italian restaurant. Conversely, teaching older children restaurant etiquette at nicer venues can be a valuable life experience.
This dust-up reveals something deeper about modern parenting and social expectations. Are we becoming too protective of children's natural behaviour, or should restaurants accommodate the reality that kids can't sit still for extended periods?
The real lesson here isn't about whether the sign was reasonable, but about communication. A gentler approach - 'For everyone's safety, we ask that children remain close to their tables' - might have achieved the same result without the viral backlash.
What's your take on the debate over great restaurants for children? Have you encountered similar policies, or do you think families should have more flexibility when dining out? Share your experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you navigate family dining adventures.
Primary source
Nat Barr weighs in on debate after Aussies were divided over sign
Sunrise host Nat Barr has shared her take on a restaurant's controversial policy that bans children from standing up while dining with their family.www.dailymail.co.uk
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