A VICAR fears children could start asking their parents about the facts of life before they are ready after a pub started to sell sex toys on its premises.
The Rev Simon Mansfield, vicar of St James's Church, Acc-rington, voiced his concerns about the nearby Regency Bar, in Church Street, after it installed two vending machines in the toilets, offering customers a range of novelty adult goods.
He said: "This is clearly sending out the wrong message to young people. We should be trying to educate them and these machines are going to give them the wrong signals.
"Children have curious minds and if they go on the premises with their parents, and see these machines, they are going to ask what they are. It could lead to some awkward questions for parents who might not want to start talking about it around the breakfast table."
The saucy goods include vibrators, hormone wipes and a product called Choc-Agra, which is supposed to have the same effect as Viagra. The machines are manufactured by a firm in Ayrshire called Naughty Vend.
Landlord Nick Pennington, who found out about the machines from his area manager Mike Connell, refused to comment. And he asked us not to talk to his customers.
Thwaites Brewery, which owns the Regency, said it has no immediate plans to ban the machines.
Retail director Paul Howarth said: "While this form of vending machine may be considered acceptable within an adult trading environment, as we approach summer and have the possibility of children using the beer garden at the Regency we will review the situation and take any action we feel appropriate."
While the pub caters for young adults in the evenings, children are allowed in during the day when they have a special menu.
Mr Mansfield added: "I would have thought the landlord would be more responsible."
A spokesman for Naughty Vend said: "We have got these machines in several pubs in Blackpool and in numerous others all over the country. They're just a bit of fun, for people to buy from when they have had a few drinks."
