TORONTO – A British family-oriented theme park refused entry to a 54-year-old man last week over fears of pedophilia.
According to the Western Gazette, Matthew Richards travelled 50 km to see a falconry display at Puxton Park, an attraction located in a coastal town west of London.
The grandfather of three was refused entry because the park does not allow men or women without children into the park, for the protection of kids.
“I was frankly amazed,” Richards said of the policy, which is listed on its website but not in brochures promoting the falconry exhibit.
Richards said he and his wife had previously taken one of their grandchildren to the park.
On Monday, the park defended its policy.
“Puxton Park is predominantly an attraction for children aged zero years to seven years with 90 per cent of the park dedicated fully to child’s play, which is not suitable for lone adults,” said Alistair Mead, the park’s managing director, in a statement.
“We would rather be over zealous when unaccompanied adults visit us armed with cameras than put children at any potential risk. Even schools follow similar policies with regards to the photography of children.”
Mead said this is the first complaint in the seven years the policy has been enforced, and other parks have similar policies.
In Canada, Legoland Discovery Centre in Vaughan, Ontario does not allow anyone over the age of 18 into the facility without a child, except for adults only nights.
Global News has reached out to Legoland for comment on its age policies.
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