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Allergies and intolerances

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Original poster

Softplay rules

11 replies

Laurenna · 15/02/2023 20:31

Are there any laws that dictate that you cannot bring your own food into softplay for your children if they have intolerances I’m due to go to one tomorrow and their website says you cannot bring your own food to their premises and something about Natasha’s law which upon reading I cannot find anything saying you can’t bring your own food? I will be eating there but I don’t trust places with my kids allergies

OP posts:
whatthebejesus · 15/02/2023 20:48

Just take the food and worry about it when you get there. I doubt anyone will challenge you but if they do you can explain.

Clymene · 15/02/2023 20:52

The reason they do it is that that's how they make their money. Can you buy drinks/packaged foods?

Pinkflipflop85 · 15/02/2023 20:54

Depends on how strict/ well staffed the soft play is.

We have one near us that will either ask you to put it in the bin or leave.

Original poster
Laurenna · 15/02/2023 20:56

Completely understand that but they are already charging us entry and i will buy lunch for me just not taking any risks with my kids we never eat out for that reason

OP posts:
Original poster
Laurenna · 15/02/2023 20:58

Yeah I will be doing exactly that just wanted to know if they can actually do that it seems a bit money grabbing to me to refuse a child to eat a packed lunch if they have allergies

OP posts:
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 15/02/2023 21:18

It's hardly money grabbing. It's literally part of the services they offer. I've never been to a soft play where you can take your own food and drinks.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 15/02/2023 21:20

Also they can kick you out if you bring in your own pack lunch. As it's a private premises they get to make the rules and can make you leave and/or ban you from coming back (if it's well staffed and strictly managed).

You could call in advance and explain the situation to the manager. You could try on the day and hope for the best. You can't guarantee they'll let you in either circumstance.

Yarnosaura · 15/02/2023 21:22

Natasha's Law is irrelevant here, that applies to the labelling of food prepared and packaged for on-site sales.

I would ask in advance, and if they can't provide safe food or refuse you to take your own, then go between meals or find somewhere else.

FluffMagnet · 15/02/2023 21:26

I know our favourite specifies that children with allergies can bring their own food. Speak with them, stress the dangers and the responsibilities on those preparing the food .... or you'll take safe food and save them the stress....

SkankingWombat · 15/02/2023 21:32

If the food is an issue, you just book a session that doesn't run over a meal time. I do this any way now since Covid saw the introduction of heavily policed set sessions, as I resent paying ££ to get in then DCs losing a chunk of the little time they get sat eating (at a further cost!). Pre-covid, you could stay as long as you liked, so DCs would play for an hour, have some lunch there, then play for another hour or so.

winepleasenotwhine · 23/02/2023 13:12

Just explain to them and indicate why you're bringing food for your allergic child. I never had an issue when I was up front about it.

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