‘Ridiculous’: The Group of People This California Restaurant Just Banned Has Left Some Infuriated

A popular restaurant in northern California is taking heat for targeting a unique group of people: children.

A sign displayed on Old Fisherman’s Grotto’s door warns that the Monterey establishment prohibits strollers, high chairs and booster chairs. In addition, the restaurant has no tolerance for loud kids.

“Children crying or making loud noises are a distraction to other diners and as such are not allowed in the dining room,” the sign says.

What do you think of this sign at Old Fisherman's Grotto? Too much or just right? pic.twitter.com/cmkbktNSD7

— Jacqueline (@JMazurKSBW) July 28, 2014

The welcome sign has since drawn several complaints.

"I think it's ridiculous," tourist Teresa Colombani told KSBW-TV. "I think kids need to know how to behave in restaurants, and if you, don't take them to them, they don't know how to behave and they shouldn't be kept hidden away, so I think it's ridiculous. Kids should be allowed in restaurants."

[sharequote align="center"]"I think it's ridiculous."[/sharequote]

"I would probably not go there to not deal with that sort of atmosphere. It surprises me because this is a family place -- where you go with your kids for vacation,” another tourist echoed to the local outlet.

One patron said she was stunned when the restaurant refused her a high chair for her 6-month-old baby.

"I'm completely shocked because I never had that happen," Niki Riviere told KSWB. "Usually they cater, at least have a high chair for the child, but it seemed like they didn't want any child. They said the child can't make any noises so they turned us away."

The owner, however, is staring down the controversy and standing by the policy.

"If a place has the rules, that's what the rules are," Chris Shake said. "You go in and abide by the rules or you find a place more suitable for you."

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Featured image via Shutterstock.