I have been going to Ollies regularly over the last 2-3 years (Once/Twice a month), with my two youngest children - who are now 10 & 6. We recently went into Ollies after a shopping trip & were hoping to get some lunch while the youngest played. On this occasion our 10 year old daughter did not want to play (Understandable for a 10 year old - as the equipment is really for younger children anyway). When we said she didn't want to play we were asked how old she was (10) and then she was asked to stand by a measuring board on the wall - she was 1" below the marked height on the wall! We were then told that because she was 'within the age/height range' we would HAVE to pay the full 'playing' price for her to gain entry - Thats £5.75 - just to get in & have some lunch! We were quite willing to pay the 'adult' entry rate of 50p to gain her entry - as she was NOT going to be playing! We spoke with the 'manager/owner' - Alison who was very very adamant that there was no way that she could allow any exceptions to their 'policy' - despite the fact that my daughter was just 1" below the height & 6 months too young & DID NOT want to play! This policy is outlined on their website: "Please note: As a small family business we have to rigidly enforce our stated entry fees for children and so our Crew are strictly forbidden from allowing free entry. Therefore, please note that in order to gain access to our play area and facilities, every child aged 11 and under will be required to pay an entry fee, including siblings of children attending an Ollie’s party." This seems like a very greedy policy - it is put in place so that they can take £5.75 for EVERY child under 11 who enters the premises - how about a little discretion? Most people would be happy to pay an entry fee for a child that does not want to play - i.e the adult 50p rate. How would this work if you were bringing in a child who was physically unable to use the equipment, but fell within the age range - i.e a child with a broken leg/in a wheelchair - that would be discrimination! I am so disappointed in Ollie's because in other ways the place is great, such a shame that they are so greedy & they have now lost a regular customer.
