Defiant landlords who banned young people from their newly refurbished village pub are maintaining their adults-only policy, with critics branding the move “archaic”.

Mandy Keefe and John Forge welcomed punters to the Wheel Inn in Westwell, near Ashford, Kent, last week after it closed for more than two years.

The duo have lovingly renovated and extended the venue, which also includes an adjoining tea room.

But best of all, there were no children at opening night.

The couple say they decided not to admit under-14s due to the lack of adult-only spaces and environments where people can relax while enjoying a pint.

Banned: Mandy Keefe and John Forge imposed an adults-only policy in their pub

A sign at the Wheel Inn in Westwell, near Ashford, Kent, says no young people welcome

Mr Forge told KentOnline: “Older people are saying, ‘Great, we don’t want big kids running around.’

“We have people at the bar who say, ‘It’s great because we don’t have to worry.’

“In a pub you don’t watch your language. You drink – you take a legal drug.

“Then you sometimes behave inappropriately.

“Customers said it was great because they didn’t have to watch what they said.”

Publicans say they do not want to create a rowdy atmosphere or encourage swearing and shouting.

“But it still happens,” Ms. Keefe said.

“Do people really want their children to live in this kind of adult environment?

“And what is there for the children to do?” As a result, they get bored.

“Then they start running, they start crying or screaming.

“It has an impact on people who come here to have a quiet, adult time.

“We’ve had people here sitting all evening on the sofas, meeting up with their friends, chatting nicely, and everyone commenting on how lovely the atmosphere was.

“Unfortunately, the absence of children is part of this pleasant atmosphere.”

The owners maintain their decision and claim to have created a “beautiful environment”

The pub has only just reopened and been renovated after more than two years of closure.

Until 1995, it was illegal in England and Wales to bring young people under the age of 14 into pubs.

The Licensing Act 2003 allows pubs and restaurants to enforce their own policies relating to children.

Ms Keefe, who has adult children herself, says the Wheel Inn rule is “to some extent” a tribute to the boozer’s glory days.

The 62-year-old said: “If you’re going on holiday you can choose to go to an adults-only hotel or resort or on a cruise.

“Here, where can we go where there are no children? Nowhere.

“What we’ve done here is give people a choice.

“We are the only ones who say no children.

“We provide adults with a pleasant environment where they can talk, discuss and become adults together.”

However, some critics on social media called the rule “archaic.”

One mother, who recently moved to the village, said: “It will appeal to a very small demographic, unfortunately not the future.

“Even when my children are “of age”, I don’t have the impression that they will be welcomed with open arms.

“It’s archaic and it’s just a shame more than anything. We are upset because we were looking forward to getting to know the people of the village.

The owners, who bought the village’s only pub in March 2022, say they will not change their policy to please parents.

Owners’ decision to ban all children criticized as ‘archaic’

Pub owners argue that if people can go to an adults-only hotel or cruise, they should be allowed to enjoy a pint in a child-free environment.

The Licensing Act 2003 allows pubs and restaurants to enforce their own policies relating to children. Pictured: Inside the newly refurbished village pub

Mr Forge, 59, said: “I don’t really care, because what you will find is that they are actually hypocrites.

“Ultimately, when their children grow up, 90 percent of them will want to go to a child-free environment.”

Ms Keefe was more affected by the criticism and dismayed that it happened on social media rather than in person.

“When the signs were posted, no one came to talk to us. Not a single person,” she said.

“It’s a close-knit community, and then suddenly you look at the village’s Facebook page and you see it’s planned.”

“It’s not very pleasant.

“I felt like I was being bullied into changing my mind rather than walking through the door and asking why we did it.”

Mr Forge added: “They should not be allowed to dictate. There are places they can go. Go to these places – it’s over.

Before last Thursday, the former Wheel Inn owned by Shepherd Neame had been closed for more than two and a half years.

The previous owner closed the building, saying it was a “fantastic pub” but trade had fallen after the Covid pandemic.

After purchasing the inn, the current owners’ first planning bid for an extension was refused by Ashford Town Council, sparking outrage against the village authorities.

A second application received the green light and the couple began a lengthy renovation.

A House of Commons research report on “children in pubs” states: “A commercial service provider such as a restaurateur or pub owner has the right to refuse service to someone.

“In exercising this right, the service provider must take into account the obligations imposed on it by legislation prohibiting discrimination based on disability or race.

“However, there is no law that would cover allegations of ‘discrimination’ against children.”