To tell someone else’s kids to behave?

[Mumblebucket]

Sat in a pub, it’s almost 9pm and there’s a group of 3 kids (ages about 9, 7 and 5 at a guess) jumping between sofas on the seated area, throwing cushions at each other, screaming and squealing.

It’s not a family pub, they are the only kids here and it’s busy. I haven’t yet seen the parents interact with them and I’ve been here 30 minutes. They’ve nearly knocked my drink over twice.

I’m not a parent and don’t interact with kids ever, WIBU to tell them to be quiet/ go back to their parents?

There’s people wanting a seat
To watch the band but between them these 3 kids are taking up 8 seats but jumping around.. what do I say?

You say ‘Oi!’ in your loudest sternest voice and then if that doesn’t work you chicken out and tell the staff instead.

I'd approach the Manager or Bar Staff... I wouldn't approach the kids or parents

Agree with MsAdorabelle
Big loud ‘Oi!’
Or say to people who want to sit down ‘these seats are free’ ‘kids, let these people sit down, thanks’ big smile

Yeah don’t want to approach parents in case they’re drunk etc. Bar staff is a good plan, thanks!

If they were romping round me or preventing me from getting a seat I'd definitely say something. Likewise if I couldn't hear the band. Have you tried a death stare?

You wouldn't be unreasonable but you might end up in a row with the parents, depending on what they're like.

Why not have a word with the bar staff?

Yanbu. Should have told them when they knocked your drink tbh.

Oh, X posted

Maybe it's because I tell children to behave at work all the time (not a teacher work in a place school groups visit) but I would firmly and politely tell the children to stop. Mind you I also don't let my children act like that in public...

Bar staff have moved them back to their parents table, parents didnt seem to notice and haven’t said anything to the bar staff. It’s a big group of people so I think they are a bit distracted.

They’re back :(

Beer mat - Frisbee in the eye. Should have them running back to dps. Deny all knowledge.

tell the Bar Staff again.. and keep telling them..

Report to the bar staff again and explain that you're not happy. They should tell the idiots that if they get a third complaint then they're out.

A bit distracted or a bit shit...

Poor things! I expect they r tired and therefore hyper! Littlest two should be in bed! :(

Yup, I'd give a loud 'oi' - or 'that's enough kids, now the music's starting we need to settle down' 'this is a grown-ups place, not a playground' .. etc.. (or something a bit firmer and school teacher-ish).

They may well flake out soon though. Hope they r ok poor little ones.

Not the kids fault!

Don't punish them for their parents neglect!

Tell the bar staff, keep complaining.

They’re still here. Band are ace (my husband is the lead singer so I’m biased) and the kids are still screaming. I’ve been giving them my hardest death stare but they seem to be immune. Parents also immune to death stare.

Another pub goer has already told them to quiet down, they did briefly but the parents have been up dancing and are obviously a bit worse for wear so the kids are just following suit. Not their fault really but I’m a dab hand with a beer mat if it comes to it