Three-quarters of parents want to go out for a meal without their children

Pet beats the pram

Three in four parents (72%) are in favour of adults-only dining, and are thus even slightly more likely to be in favour than non-parents (64%). Among all Dutch restaurant-goers, two-thirds (67%) are in favour of the idea that full-service restaurants should offer dining experiences exclusively for adults. Just over a quarter (27%) are unreservedly in favour of this, regardless of the time of day or the concept. This is according to research by the till and payment platform Lightspeed (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD), carried out amongst 1,000 Dutch restaurant-goers. The same survey shows that more people are in favour of allowing pets in restaurants (assistance animals are already permitted) than are unconditionally in favour of child-free dining.

No high chair, no compromise

That support does, however, come with conditions. Whilst 27 per cent are unconditionally in favour of adults-only dining, four in ten attach conditions to it. The time of day is the most frequently cited factor: nearly a third (32%) consider the concept appropriate after a certain time, for example 8.00 pm or 9.00 pm. This is followed by a romantic atmosphere (30%) and restaurants with a chic or luxurious ambience (29%).

As well as the timing and the concept, communication plays a role. A quarter of respondents state that an ‘adults-only’ policy must be clearly communicated in advance. A similar proportion (24%) are in favour of a separate ‘adults-only’ section within the restaurant.

Half of them welcome pets

Half of those surveyed believe that restaurants should allow pets. Three in ten (31%) would only allow pets outside; one in five would also allow them indoors. Just over four in ten (43%) are opposed.

Emine Youssef, Regional Senior Director for Western Europe at Lightspeed: “Adults-only dining is often dismissed as a niche market, but the figures tell a different story. What’s striking is that parents, in particular, are positive about it, whilst at the same time the door is opening up to pets. Guests are thinking more and more carefully about what a night out should mean to them, and their expectations regarding atmosphere, company and surroundings are more varied than ever. For restaurateurs, this presents an opportunity to tailor their offerings more precisely to different target groups and occasions.”