Readers of The Northern Echo have been debating whether children should be allowed in pubs.

It comes after defiant landlords who have banned children from their Kent village pub said they "couldn’t give a toss" about the backlash against their decision.

The discussion has sparked numerous opinions among readers with some believing that children should only be allowed in pubs that serve food.

Bernice Smith said, "If it doesn’t serve food then no children should not be in but if it has a restaurant then children should be allowed in."

Others suggest that the atmosphere of the pub should determine whether children are welcome.

Linda Marie Day said: "Depends on the pub. If food served it's OK."

She also mentioned the idea of a curfew for children, stating: "Nothing worse than a tired child with parents who just want to have a good time."

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Many readers expressed that family-friendly environments are vital for the survival of pubs.

Bill Aunger said, "families are important for the survival of pubs."

He contrasted modern pubs with older establishments, saying they should be "fun, social and family centred."

Conversely, some readers feel pubs should remain adult spaces.

Alan Moore stated: "Pubs are an adult recreation place" while Joyce Brander said that children should be allowed "In the pub gardens but not inside. That’s where grown-ups like to have a bit of leisure time."

However, Fiona Scown defended children's behaviour in pubs saying that "adults should be banned too as they turn into kids after having too many."

Meanwhile, Waldo Thomas said, "Children should only be in a pub if eating and that eating area should not be the main bar."

As this debate continues, many agree that the decision should ultimately rest with individual pub owners, allowing them to choose what is best for their establishment.

Susan Glaister stated: "Leave it up to each pub landlord or landlady to decide what’s best for their pub."