One of the country's leading pub chains has limited how long families can stay on their premises.

JD Wetherspoon, which has eight pubs across the district, has introduced a two-drink limit on people with children.

The chain only allows families in if they are eating, but from now on, adults with children will be allowed just two drinks each and they will be expected to leave once the meal is over.

Bosses of the popular chain, which has pubs including the popular Turls Green, in Centenary Square, Bradford, the Sir Norman Rae in Shipley and the Myrtle Grove in Bingley, say they are not geared up for children.

The new policy affects all the firm's 683 pubs in the UK.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "We are not a children's pub with an activity centre.

"It is not a wonderful day out for children, spending hours in the pub.

"Once parents have finished a meal with a child, we would expect them to leave soon after.

"We would let an adult order an alcoholic drink with a meal and another drink after that, but we don't want children there bored while adults drink.

"We would not want a situation where the child is there for two or three hours."

The firm has a reputation for making pioneering moves in certain respects. It was the first UK pub chain to introduce a smoking ban in certain pubs six months before it became law last year.

It has been speculated that other chains and publicans may adopt a similar process.

David Haigh, honorary president of the Bradford Inner City Licensees' Association, said: "Every individual licensee has their own rules on the issue. If it is a food-orientated establishment children may well be allowed to sit with their family at the table. Some public houses have an area for children.

"In terms of Wetherspoons if it is policy and it is stated as such I can't see a problem.

"I see it as each case is different and should be treated as such but there is nothing wrong with having a general policy."