Vegan Restaurant Bans Kids Under 5 & Openly Breastfeeding Moms In Order To Maintain ‘Sanitary Standards’

Vegan Restaurant's Controversial Child Policy Sparks Backlash and Threats

The owners of a vegan restaurant in Indiana made the tough call to ban children under the age of 5, citing ongoing sanitary issues caused by young customers and their mothers. However, this decision has led to a firestorm of criticism and even death threats from outraged customers across the country. The restaurant owners have since clarified that their policy was misinterpreted and that they are not against breastfeeding, but rather aimed to maintain the cleanliness and sanitary standards of their establishment.

Upholding Sanitary Standards or Discriminating Against Families?

Plantastic Indy's Controversial Policy

Plantastic Indy, a plant-based and environmentally friendly restaurant in Indiana, made headlines in June 2024 when it announced a new policy banning children under the age of 5 from its premises. The owners, Gary and Taina Bartlett, cited ongoing issues with sanitary violations, including dirty diapers left on tables and mothers breastfeeding openly, as the driving force behind this decision.In a now-deleted Instagram post, the Bartletts expressed their frustration, stating, "Sadly, we can no longer welcome toddlers, newborns, or anyone under the age of 5 years old in order to keep up and maintain our sanitary standards." They went on to say, "Do not get upset at us, just at the ones that have come and left dirty diapers on the table and put their breasts out in public uncovered to feed their child. That's not the Plantastic Indy experience we want for the rest of our customers."

Backlash and Accusations of Discrimination

The restaurant's decision was met with immediate backlash from customers, who accused the establishment of "banning breastfeeding" and shaming mothers for simply feeding their children. Many took to social media to express their outrage, with one TikTok user commenting, "This hurts my heart as a breastfeeding mom. Discrimination at its peak here."Other vegan restaurant owners responded by emphasizing that they welcome breastfeeding mothers and their children, with Heather Dame, the owner of Lucky Lemon Bakery, stating, "I would never tell a mother that she needs to cover up. I would never say that she can't bring her child into my restaurant."

Clarifying the Policy and Addressing the Controversy

In an attempt to clarify their position, the Bartletts stated that they are not anti-breastfeeding and that their decision was made solely to maintain the cleanliness and sanitary standards of their establishment. Taina Bartlett told Wish TV 8, "This is not Chuck-E-Cheese. This wasn't made for babies. That's the sad truth."Her husband, Gary Bartlett, added, "Neither of us have ever eaten at a restaurant where someone would openly expose a breast in public to feed. Only in our own restaurant has this happened."The Bartletts also revealed that they were forced to close their doors the day after the announcement due to the overwhelming backlash, including death threats. They clarified that they are not banning breastfeeding entirely, but rather children under the age of 5, as they believe this age group is more likely to cause sanitary issues.

Legal Implications and Perspectives

According to legal experts, the Bartletts are within their rights as private business owners to refuse service to people under a certain age and those they believe are violating their sanitation standards. Law Professor Jody Madeira explained, "There are no legal ramifications for a private owner to prevent families with children under a certain age from coming on the premises."However, under Indiana law, mothers are permitted to breastfeed their children in public spaces, whether they are covered or not. Madeira further clarified, "So, if a private entity has banned children under a certain age, and the assumption is that usually one would be done breastfeeding a child at the age of 5, then that is not per se an explicit ban on breastfeeding, but that is a practical ban on breastfeeding."While some customers supported the Bartletts' decision, citing the need for clean and well-maintained establishments, others argued that the restaurant's policy was discriminatory and disrespectful to families. One commenter noted, "PARENTS! Clean up after your kids and keep your kids from running around the restaurant," suggesting that the real issue was the lack of parental responsibility, not the presence of children.Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Plantastic Indy's policy has highlighted the delicate balance between a business owner's right to maintain their establishment's standards and the rights of families, particularly breastfeeding mothers, to be welcomed and accommodated in public spaces.