THE defiant owner of a café that doesn't allow kids under five has defended his decision.
Tony Flackett, who runs Harley's Café and Coffee Bar along with his wife, Beverly, said their customers prefer the establishment - because it doesn't put up with "screaming kids".
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The couple have defended their decision Credit: BPM
But some locals living near the establishment in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, said they wouldn't be visiting again after being turned away because of their children.
Tony told Stoke-on-Trent Live there are "plenty of other cafes” for parents to take their children to.
He added kids over five are fine, but "children at two or three start running around and screaming".
A sign outside of the West Midlands-based café states: "Sorry, no children under five," as well as one on the board.
Harley's Café and Coffee Bar reopened last month following a ￡100,000 extension and refurbishment.
Music, movie and sports memorabilia fills the walls and ceilings at the coffee shop, which sells toasties, paninis, wraps, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and omelettes - among other delights.
It is also alleged that some believe the eatery is home to "the best breakfast in Hanley".
Tony explained the no-kids rule - which has been in place for 23-years - is because: "We don't have the space for pushchairs all over the place, we're not exactly a massive café.
"There are plenty of other cafes that let kids in, it's not like they haven't got anywhere to go."
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He added: "We have a lot of valuable stuff in here and we don't want them to start messing around with them."
But locals grumbled at the rule was "so wrong".
Haykeigh Bloor, who has a 21-month-old daughter, said she has not been in since her baby was born.
Emma Rayner said she had been turned away because she had her child with her in a pushchair.
And Rachel Whalley, who also claims she was turned away, said: "They don’t allow children which doesn’t help a mother who just needs a nice coffee."
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Tony and Beverly have implemented the rule for 23 years Credit: BPM 4
The establishment is filled to the brim with memorabilia Credit: BPM 4
A sign outside warns of the no kids rule Credit: BPM
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