Old story but even 25 years later still remember it

First time posting. So forgive anything I don't do correctly. This is an old story but a good one. It takes place many years ago but it sticks in my mind. I worked in a dept store that had a restaurant. It was in a mall so was very busy during the xmas holidays. It was not a high end store and carried toys. The restaurant was also very busy as it served good but cheaper food so popular with parents and seniors. We had a program where kids who were members of the kids club could get milk and cookies for free while the parents could sit and have a drink to recover from the crowds.

So this happened during the early part of dec. We were very busy during lunch time but tables turned over fairly quickly but there was a line up of people waiting to sit down. Enter EP with her two kids about 3 and 4 and sits at a table but EP doesn't sit down. I go to the table to serve them (should be noted menus are on the table). EP says we will have two milk and cookies, I don't want anything. As I turn to go and get milk and cookies I hear EP tell her children that this nice lady is going to watch you will I go and do some shopping. I quickly turn around to tell her that she must stay with her kids as per store rules and this nice lady doesn't have time to watch her kids.

EP are you refusing to give my kids milk and cookies? OP no but you must stay with them while they have them. If you are looking for child care there is a spot in the mall that does that. EP- Why would I pay when you are here and doing nothing but walking around. Kids mom are we getting cookies? EP - yes darling I will fix this and this girl will get in trouble and she storms off

Think it is over oh no not the way EP's work

About 5 -10 min later store manager comes in and comes over to me. OP-hello store manger. SM- You know you can't refuse to serve milk and cookies even during lunch so you can make more money? OP- Yes I do and I would never refuse service. SM- Well this lady and he points to EP through the window says you refused to give her children milk and cookies. OP- UMM SM that lady did ask for milk and cookies and then told her kids that I would be watching them while she went shopping. I told her that store policy is that parents have to stay with children while they have milk and cookies and told her that there was a child care place in the mall.

Op- So SM if you want to sit with the kids while they eat milk and cookies then fine but I will not be watching her kids as I have a job to do. SM- Uh no OP you did the right thing and he leaves to go talk to EP. EP isn't happy she didn't win and send in a complaint to corporate but they shut her down and put the "Parents must accompany children and added stay while they enjoy their free milk and cookies " to the rules.

Cant believe any parent would leave their kids with a stranger who wouldn't be able to keep an eye on them even back then it was a no-no.

hello Mr. Reddit feel free to edit or make any changes to story that work for you