Dining out can be stressful for parents, especially when children are difficult to control. One couple in North Georgia claimed they were “fined” for their kids’ behavior, sparking online debate about whether it’s fair to charge parents for poorly behaved children.

A Reddit user shared their experience at Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, where the owner allegedly added $50 to their bill due to their children’s disruptive behavior. The restaurant’s owner, Tim Richter, later clarified that while a surcharge had been used during COVID-19 to cover costs, no recent charges had been added for children’s behavior. He did, however, admit to warning a family with nine children who were running around, though no fine was imposed.

Richter emphasized that the restaurant aims for a calm atmosphere and encourages parents to manage their children. Some patrons, like Anne Cox, supported the idea, saying it might prompt parents to teach their children better manners. Others, like Federico Gambineri, were shocked by the policy and worried it might unfairly target parents of younger kids.

Regular customers, such as Jack Schneider, expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging that while disruptive children can ruin a meal, it’s ultimately the parents’ responsibility to control them.

This story has drawn attention to the balance between enjoying family outings and respecting the dining experience of others.