Babies-in-arms policy causes stink in theatre
A TOP Glasgow theatre has defended a policy aimed at babies-in-arms amid anger from parents.
The Pavilion Theatre said its policy stemmed from “the large number of inconsiderate parents with very young babies which has led to other customers’ enjoyment of the show being spoiled”.
There had been cases of parents changing nappies in the auditorium, “disgusting” those seated nearby.
On other occasions, babies being winded by their parents had ended up being sick over people, ruining their evenings and, sometimes, their clothes.
But parents of young children have now criticised the family theatre for its 10-yearold policy, with some saying it “discriminates” against babies and young children. A number have said they will not return to the theatre.
On Facebook, the policy has been slammed – though some parents there defended the theatre.
In the policy, the Pavilion says: “It is unfortunate that we have to treat everybody the same but experiences over the past few years have given us no alternative”.
Under the terms and conditions, all babies in arms must be paid and accounted for to help the theatre observe licensing numbers.
Crying babies “must be removed from the auditorium as quickly as possible” to avoid disruption. Nappies must be changed outwith the auditorium. Parents feeding or winding their baby must make “every effort” to ensure the infant is not sick.
The policy also says: “We do not think that the theatre is a place for any child who cannot yet walk and can be very distressing during certain performances due to flashing lights and loud sound-levels and changing atmosphere within the auditorium”.
But on the Facebook page of the group, Help What Am I Going to do Today?!, one member wrote: “Inconsiderate parents with young babies? I’m a single mum, what am I supposed to do with said baby? I’m afraid this very much puts me off attending in the future”.
A second said the policy was a “fair point – just because you are a considerate parent doesn’t mean other people are, unfortunately!”
Mr Gordon said t he theatre had to observe strict fire-safety limits on audience numbers. Sometimes, as happened yesterday, people arrived with babies in tow.
“This morning, one customer arrived with two tickets but with another person and two babies, about six months old, in a double pram. She struggled to get up the stairs to the balcony and sat with the babies in the middle of a row. No-one could get past her.
“The babies started crying 20 minutes into the show. The woman wouldn’t come out, she starts fighting with the person next to her, whose kids can’t see the show. Two rows away, there was a woman changing a nappy.”
He added: “We’re trying to be family-friendly to the people who have bought tickets for the right number of seats, and who come with kids who want to, or are able to, enjoy the show. We have to bear in mind the entire audience.”