Dining out with kids can be challenging, and one North Georgia restaurant has taken a controversial stance to encourage better behavior. The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant has sparked a heated debate online: should parents be fined for their children’s poor behavior in public?
A customer shared their experience on Reddit, claiming the owner added a $50 surcharge to their bill due to their children’s behavior. However, the owner, Tim Richter, clarified that this was not a recent practice, and the surcharge was only implemented during COVID-19 to cover costs.
The real story unfolded when a family with nine children visited the restaurant, and their behavior became disruptive. While the owner gave the parents a warning, he never actually charged them the surcharge. His message was clear: “We want parents to be parents.”
Customers are divided on the issue. Some, like Laura Spillman, find the policy “crazy,” while others, like Anne Cox, believe it could encourage better behavior. Federico Gambineri, a father of a toddler, hopes he won’t be charged for his child’s potential misbehavior.
The debate raises important questions about parenting, etiquette, and personal responsibility. Should restaurants take a stance on poorly behaved children, or is it solely the parents’ responsibility? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
