IT is sad that in 2018, a group of mums and their supporters end up having to protest outside a restaurant where a young mother was asked to breastfeed her baby daughter in the toilet – reportedly because of concerns other customers would be upset.

Firstly, the actions of the staff show an ignorance of the law. Secondly, their request to Ellie Webster shows a basic lack of empathy – no-one should have to eat in a toilet. Thirdly, where was their common sense?

What would be more upsetting for customers? A mum discretely feeding her child, or a hungry, crying baby forced to wait for her next meal?

So much progress has been made in recent years in the acceptance of breastfeeding as a part of normal life, but incidents like this remind us all that there is still a long way to go in changing the mindsets of some people.

The restaurant involved has apologised to all concerned, and carried out urgent staff training as a result of the complaints. Fair play to them for holding their hands up, but really they had no other option.

Friday’s protest took place after Ellie shared her experience online. The outpouring of support which followed will surely give confidence to other mums to challenge any similar foolish requests when out and about.

Well done to all those who came out to join the protest, but it’s a shame that placards and signs are needed at all to focus the mind of business owners about the rights of mothers to breastfeed wherever they want.