Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, a picturesque North Georgia restaurant near Blue Ridge, recently sparked a heated internet debate by instituting a policy that charges parents for their children’s disruptive behavior. This novel approach to preserving order has provoked heated controversy, with differing views on the ethics of the so-called “parenting fine.”
A angry client turned to Reddit to report their story, stating that the owner had added a $50 charge to their bill owing to their children’s behavior. This statement soon received notice, prompting Tim Richter, the restaurant’s owner, to clarify the facts.
Richter noted that, while the restaurant did implement a premium to cover increased costs during the COVID-19 outbreak, they have never punished a client for their children’s behavior. He did recall one occasion involving a family with nine especially obnoxious children, in which a warning was issued but no fine was levied.
Richter highlighted that the policy’s goal is to encourage responsible parenting, saying, “We want parents to be parents.” However, public opinion on the policy has been divided. While some, such as Laura Spillman, think charging for children’s behavior is ridiculous, arguing, “Kids are cute; you shouldn’t charge for that,” others, such as Anne Cox, see it as a reminder for parents to teach their children manners and to respect others around them.
Federico Gambineri, a concerned diner who came with his baby, expressed his displeasure with the policy, saying, “If I were charged, I would be unhappy and probably not recommend the place.” Regular patron Jack Schneider, on the other hand, had a more nuanced approach, admitting that everyone has been at a table and thought, “Do something about that kid.” Schneider, on the other hand, eventually blames the parents.
The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, nestled between the scenic Toccoa River and mountains, has long been a favorite among visitors seeking a calm dining experience. However, this episode has prompted both customers and the general public to reconsider what constitutes acceptable behavior in a public dining establishment. As conversations continue, it is unclear whether Toccoa Riverside Restaurant will make any changes to their contentious policy.
