In North Georgia, Toccoa Riverside Restaurant faced backlash after reports surfaced that it fined customers $50 for “poor parenting” when their children misbehaved. A Reddit user claimed the owner imposed this fee, sparking an online uproar.
Owner Tim Richter addressed the issue, explaining that while a COVID-19 surcharge was in place, no recent fines for children’s behavior had been applied. Richter noted, “We want parents to be parents,” referring to a past incident where he warned a family but did not charge them.
Opinions on the policy are mixed. Federico Gambineri questioned its fairness, while regular diner Jack Schneider was uncertain, acknowledging the challenge of dining near disruptive children but doubting the surcharge’s effectiveness. The controversy underscores varying views on managing children’s behavior in public spaces.
