Children's soft play area

[jo5498]

Hi All,
I am hoping to start my own business in a few years time, I am hoping to set up an indoor soft play area for toddlers - 10 yrs?

I am looking to do something a bit different, for example selling alcohol (no spirits) in a separate side/away from the children maybe an up stairs part where the adults can still watch their children play & so the parents can have a glass of wine and a meal/snack and relax whilst the children are watched and taken care of by the staff.

I was wondering if any body knows the laws on this in the UK as I have done some research and only found 2/3 places in Wiltshire that serve alcohol within a children establishment?

Can it be done full time or just on a one off special event cases?

And what are peoples views on this?

I would imagine it would be a mixed reaction, I would not want parents getting drunk on the premises in charge of their children but a general place for hard working parents to relax after a hard week at work whilst the children let of stream.

My other idea was to maybe work along side/hire a part of a hotel/existing restruant and have a separate soft play area attached but I am not sure how to go about research for that?

Years ago it was a big thing to have soft play areas within a pub, but there doesn't seem to be many any more, does anyone know why??

Any ideas would be gratefully received, (but please go easy on me )

Thank u in advance.

 

[Ste B]

Have you done any research to see if parents want to have a drink at a soft play area?

I take my kids to soft play areas and even if alcohol was on sale, I don't think i'd ever buy alcohol.

I just don't think that people who are looking after children should be drinking alcohol. I know you are saying that staff are looking after them, but in reality they don't!

When my kids are playing in soft play and are affraid to go down the slide or arguing with other kids, it's me or their mum they want. If i'd been drinking, even if it was a couple of drinks I don't think I should be then climbing up a slide to console them smelling of alcohol. If it was another parent climbing up a slide smelling of alcohol I wouldn't be happy them being near my kids.

I just don't think it worth it and alcohol and children just don't mix, too much could go wrong. Imagine an adult who had a glass ot two of wine triped and fell on a toddler - it's a huge can of worms.

I'd just do nice food, have a good non alcholic drinks list and that seems to work well.

Also i'd imagine most parents will be driving to your play centre - Then driving kids home having had a drink - not good imo

 

[jo5498]

Thank you, great feedback.

I think you are correct...looking more into it I feel a more suitable place should be in a family pub/restaurant for that kind of thing!

Thanks again!

 

[Ste B]

No problem,

It's just my opinion, your research might say different. I just think it could get very difficult!

Soft play areas are cropping up everywhere so good luck if/when you do it!

 

[cclovely]

Hi,

I love your idea of a soft play area. I am looking to start a new venture and child care has been something ive looked in to.

I agree that children and alcohol...not a great idea. I absolutely get your idea, parents want to relax and unwind without being stuck indoors but have not got or do not want to hassle of a baby sitter, so they can do everything under one roof. I would be concerned about a certain type of person that thinks its acceptable to get drunk because someone else is watching your child. I have not done any research in this, so not qualified to advise but I think your idea is good, it just scares me a bit.

Have you thought about an evening play area in a central location? Where parents can drop their children off, go shopping or for a drink around town, then collect the children after? If they are drinking off your premises, it is not your responsibility. A lot of gyms and large shopping centres offer creches for this exact reason. Maybe you could still try and accommodate parents that want some time out but without offering the time out services in the same place as your creche?

EDIT: Also, what about the huge amount of "stay at home/ part-time" Mums, that cannot have a nursery space because they work freelance or do not work at all but want the freedom of going out. They register their child after visiting your centre, then book in advance and as when they need it. So you would limit numbers to however many staff you have, ensuring that your always covered for that number and take the bookings as and when. I do this for Dogs and believe me people go mad for it, if its hard to go out and leave your Dog, imagine how convenient it would be for people with children!

 

[telemax]

Yeah the alcohol is a bad idea. I use a couple of local soft play centres for my kids, and although they can be extremely popular your enemy will be nice hot summer days and your friend cold rainy horrible weather.

 

[jo5498]

Thank you all for your feedback, some great ideas to put into consideration!

Thanks again!

 

[PDC]

There seem to be more and more pub chains targeting this area from what I have seen, certainly locally for me. One just opened up near to me and the place is packed between 6-9 and at weekends. The chain even puts balloons around the car park each day.

Was a bit nightmarish inside the time I was there, children running about the place, stressed staff rushing about and a lot of noise, but theres clearly a market as it seems to be doing well.

 

[KeithP]

I wonder how much the public liability insurance is for these type of places? My gut instinct is that it must be horrific.

One other element you might want to consider is a 'Gamers Zone', where slightly older kids can play Xbox or PS3 games whilst their younger siblings use the soft-play stuff.

When we used to frequent such places with our two children, our daughter was 3 and our son 7 so it was a God-send that they were both entertained.