# Italian restaurant child-free policy controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-restaurant-child-free-policy-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-12T08:30:01.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Alan Sampietro, owner of Hostaria 2.0 in Lesmo, Italy, initiated a debate by implementing a “child-free” policy aimed at children under seven. To discourage families with young children, the restaurant removed high chairs and children’s menus following complaints regarding noise and negative reviews from parents. While Italian law prohibits blanket bans on minors, the move has polarized the public between those seeking quiet dining environments and those condemning the policy as discriminatory. Massimiliano Dona, president of the Unione nazionale consumatori, noted that the legality of such restrictions depends on whether they are justified by concrete reasons, such as physical space constraints. In response to the controversy, Lesmo Mayor Sara Dossola and MEP Pierfranco Maran, supported by Confcommercio, have proposed creating a map of local establishments that specifically offer family-friendly services. This initiative seeks to provide transparency, allowing families to identify venues that meet their needs without labeling other businesses as “bad”. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Lesmo restaurant sparks debate with child-free policy A restaurant in Lesmo, Italy, has sparked debate after declaring itself ‘child-free,’ leading local officials to propose a map of family-friendly dining establishments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lesmo-restaurant-sparks-debate-with-child-free-policy ### 2026-09-10: Hostaria 2.0 restaurateur sparks debate with child-free policy An Italian restaurateur's decision to remove children's amenities and menus for those under seven has ignited a debate over discrimination and the rights of families in public spaces. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hostaria-20-restaurant-implements-child-free-policy-for-children-under-seven --- Cite as: Italian restaurant child-free policy controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-restaurant-child-free-policy-controversy