Once, at a family restaurant, a precocious 2-year-old turned to the wailing 1-year-old at the table next to her and said, “Hey, shut up.” It was hard to tell which set of parents was more embarrassed by the outbursts.

It might have been an inappropriate reaction to a crying child, but it was one we’ve all thought at one time or another.

Patrons of one new Alexandria, Va., restaurant will never have to worry about crying babies or unruly toddlers. The Sushi Bar has banned children under 18 years old from the restaurant.

Though the restaurant hasn’t officially opened its doors, it’s had national exposure because of the policy. But is it worth it?

The Sushi Bar isn’t the first restaurant to have banned children, but drawing the line at 18 is unique. Teenagers aren’t normally a rowdy bunch when enjoying sushi. So, what’s the deal? The owner described his restaurant as more of a lounge or bar than a traditional restaurant.

He told the “Today Show” that parents need a break and adults need a place to reconnect. But it hardly seems necessary for the restaurant to make that decision for parents.

At a soft opening last weekend, the restaurant owner said 90 percent of the feedback was positive.

A policy like this would not fly within the borders of Beaufort County. It also wouldn’t be necessary. Whether it’s the way we discipline or the way we value family time, banning family would never be the answer.