A pub has placed an immediate ban on all under 25-year-olds at the weekends, blaming disrespectful drug-taking youths for the controversial change.
The Masons Arms in Caerphilly, south Wales, has called for last orders for younger customers at 6.30pm on Friday and Saturdays, insisting that they must drink up and leave the venue by 7pm at the very latest.
The community-focused business, which describes themselves as having a ‘family atmosphere’ and has a 3.5 star TripAdvisor rating, said it has made the rule change due to a ‘lack of respect’ shown by younger customers and a recent increase in drug problems.
Taking to Facebook to share the controversial new rule, a statement read: ‘As a pub from day one we have tried to do our best for the community, we have a lot of sports teams and sponsor a lot of young individuals in their chosen sport.
‘We try and do as many fundraisers as possible and always have our customers’ interests first.
‘The pub is changing how it runs on a Friday and Saturday night, the minority have spoilt it for the rest of you.
‘It’s getting to a point that there’s a lack of respect for the pub and its patrons.
The Masons Arms (pictured) in Caerphilly, south Wales, has called for last orders for younger customers at 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday nights, insisting that they must drink up and leave by 7pm at the very latest
Describing themselves as having a ‘family atmosphere’ and with a 3.5 star TripAdvisor rating, the Pub took to Facebook to state that it has made the rule change due to a ‘lack of respect’ shown by younger customers and a recent increase in drug problems (file image)
‘After 7pm on a Friday and Saturday there will be no person under the age of 25 allowed in the pub.
‘If you’re here before that time your last drink will be served by 6.30.
‘Anybody caught or suspected of using any kind of drug will be banned, anyone refusing a search will be banned.
‘Drugs or lack of respect for the older patrons of the pub will not be tolerated.’
The post, which has been shared nearly 200 times, received a mixed response from locals, with one unhappy Facebook user saying: ‘So kick out the troublemakers, not everyone who happens to share a protected characteristics.’
Another commenter, dubious about the legality of the new change, warned: ‘Be careful with this as I’m not sure you’re legally allowed to do it.’
Another added: ‘This could become a serious reputational and legal issue – especially if the policy is seen as punishing an entire group for the actions of a few.’
Some users were disheartened by the new policy, arguing that it kicks out ‘everyone who happens to share a protected characteristic’, rather than just the ‘troublemakers’
One local, who acknowledged the pub’s difficulty in managing growing challenges, even suggested that the venue employ’s bouncers ‘to keep out those causing trouble’.
However, other commenters appeared to be far more supportive of the new restriction, with one praising the pub for their firm attitude, stating: ‘Well done. More pubs need that attitude towards drugs.’
Meanwhile, another pleased local added: ‘Good for you hope they have respect.’
MailOnline has contacted the Masons Arms for comment.
