A smiling pregnant woman, wearing denim overalls and a white shirt, highlights the issue of religious fanatics criticizing her work.

Entitled People, RelationshipsPublished Jun 30, 2026

Karen Accuses Pregnant Pub Worker Of Drinking Because Fumes "Go To The Fetus," Police Disagree

Francisca Santos and
Monika Pašukonytė
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Everyone who works, or has worked, with the public has undoubtedly dealt with the very definition of a “Karen.” Maybe even more than once. I briefly worked at a pet shop, and, more often than not, the older cat ladies who came in were 100% Karens.

I even had one customer yell at me because we didn’t have her senior cat’s special wet food pouches in stock. Of course, no matter how many times we explained why, she just wouldn’t listen. That’s often how these entitled people behave — well, much like the woman in today’s story, a religious fanatic who believed pregnant women shouldn’t even breathe the same air as alcohol

Working while pregnant is a risk many women take, but a necessity that you can’t normally avoid

A pregnant woman with pink hair working in a pub, mixing a drink behind the bar.

Image credits: freepik / Magnific (not the actual photo)

A pregnant woman was working at an Irish pub as a waitress when a family of 4 walked in, and the parents immediately started asking questions

Text displaying: You can't work here if you're pregnant. I'm a cocktail waitress. I'm 7 months pregnant.

Text displaying: No, obviously I don't drink while pregnant, or drink on the job ever.

Text displaying: This is kind of a crossover between this sub and r/badwomensanatomy.

Text describing a woman (the Karen) entering with her husband and son and daughter, asking to be seated for lunch at the pub.

A pregnant woman working in a pub, responding to a customer's question about her working while pregnant.

A pregnant woman working in a pub, experiencing a patron questioning her about being a responsible mother.

Text explaining a pregnant woman working in a pub decided to give up on a tip after a discussion.

A frustrated pregnant woman working in a pub with her hands raised in exasperation.

Image credits: pch.vector / Magnific (not the actual photo)

They questioned whether she had been drinking and kept insisting she shouldn’t be there altogether due to the “alcohol vapor”

A pregnant woman working in a pub, recalling a customer demanding to speak to a manager.

Text snippet explaining the small pub size and staff availability, related to the pregnant woman working in a pub.

Text detailing the discomfort regarding a pregnant woman working and the search for a manager at the pub.

Text of an owner reacting to a complaint about a pregnant woman working in a pub and offering alternative service.

Text quoting a customer's objection to a pregnant woman working as a 'drink girl' in a pub.

Text of the owner assuring that no employees drink on the clock, especially pregnant women, at the pub.

Text bubble: Mr. Karen: I don't want my kids seeing this! Religious fanatics fume over a pregnant woman.

Text bubble: Owner: Maybe I'm missing something. Seeing what, exactly? Religious fanatics fume over a pregnant woman.

Text bubble: Mr. Karen: A. pregnant. woman. around. all. this. alcohol. Religious fanatics fume over a pregnant woman.

A pregnant woman, a pub worker in an apron, listens with a confused expression to an older woman. Religious fanatics fume.

Image credits: pressfoto / Magnific (not the actual photo)

The couple was convinced that by working near alcoholic beverages, the woman was endangering her unborn child

Text bubble: Me: I don't know what you're insinuating but I would *never* drink during pregnancy. Religious fanatics fume.

A screenshot of a text message where a woman talks about a pregnant woman working in a pub and how alcohol vapor can harm the fetus.

A screenshot of a text message where an owner and the author exchange a look realizing they wont get anywhere with religious fanatics regarding a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A screenshot of a text message where the owner offers the religious fanatics another server since they are upset about a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A screenshot of a text message where a man states he wont leave until the pregnant woman working in a pub is fired.

A screenshot of a text message where a man states he will call the police since the pregnant woman is working in a pub.

Owner tells religious fanatics there is no child a***e, asks them to leave pregnant woman working in pub.

Religious fanatics believe life begins at conception, stands up for all living things against pregnant woman working in pub.

Religious fanatics' tearful speech about pregnant woman working in pub, seeking applause.

Owner warns religious fanatics against disturbing customers and trespassing, involving cops on pregnant woman.

Religious fanatics cite religious beliefs, claiming Jesus said abusing a child is not okay, regarding pregnant woman.

Text snippet explaining that the pub owners are devout Catholics in this pregnant woman works in a pub story.

Text showing the owner telling religious fanatics to leave for disturbing a pregnant woman works in a pub.

Police officers talking to a woman, likely after religious fanatics call cops on a pregnant woman in a pub.

Image credits: nomadsoul1 / Magnific (not the actual photo)

They ended up demanding to talk to the manager, and once the owner came up, they decided they wanted the waitress fired

Text exchange where a religious fanatic threatens to call cops on a pregnant woman working in a pub.

Text explaining that the pub stopped serving the religious fanatics who called cops on a pregnant woman.

Text reads: *Enter Awesome Officers. AO1 and AO2.* after religious fanatics call cops on pregnant woman.

Text reads: AO1: Yah, police. We received a call. Is there a Mr. Karen in here somewhere? about pregnant woman.

Text reads: Mr. Karen: Right here officers! in response to police called about pregnant woman working in pub.

Text reads: AO1: You said you were witnessing child a***e - are the parties involved still in the bar? about pregnant woman.

Text reads: *They point me out. I pretend not to notice because I’m worried the officers will take them outside and I won’t be able to watch any more fireworks.* about pregnant woman.

The alt text discusses the incident involving the pregnant woman, religious fanatics, and the police.

The alt text details a 'Karen' expressing fury over a pregnant woman working at a pub.

The alt text describes the police officers looking at the religious fanatics and the pregnant woman.

The alt text shows religious fanatics reacting with shock that a pregnant woman working in a pub is not illegal.

The alt text explains that a pregnant woman working in a pub is not illegal, though not recommended.

A screenshot showing text from a religious fanatic complaining about a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A screenshot showing text where a religious fanatic wants the pub's liquor license revoked due to a pregnant woman working.

A screenshot showing text where an officer explains they can't take action against a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A family with two children dining in a modern restaurant, illustrating a pregnant woman working in a pub setting.

Image credits: dotshock / Magnific (not the actual photo)

After refusing to fire her and offering to have someone else take their order, the couple then started preaching about God

A screenshot showing text describing a religious fanatic crying about a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A pregnant woman works in a pub; an officer congratulates her on the pregnancy, offering resources for new mothers.

Patrons defend a pregnant woman working in a pub from religious fanatics who called cops on her.

Officers talk to the owner of the pub where a pregnant woman works; she nearly called cops on fanatics for trespassing.

Officers tell a religious fanatic party to leave the pub after calling cops on a pregnant woman working.

A religious fanatic asserts his right to be in the pub after calling cops on a pregnant woman working.

Text snippet: AO1 tells religious fanatics that this is a private business and they need to leave after calling cops.

Text snippet: Karen, a religious fanatic, expresses outrage, calling a pregnant woman working in a pub a disgrace.

Text snippet: AO2 tries to de-escalate the situation, asking the upset religious fanatic to talk outside.

A pregnant woman, wearing denim overalls and a white t-shirt, smiles while working in a pub.

Image credits: stockieimage / Magnific (not the actual photo)

At that point, the owner had already asked them to leave, which meant they were trespassing

Text snippet: Mr. Karen, a religious fanatic, walks out backwards while yelling, bumping into things, after calling cops.

Mr. Karen threatening to contact authorities about a pub's liquor license and calling cops on pregnant woman.

Officers walking the Karens to their car, illegally parked in a handicap space, after calling cops on pregnant woman.

Complaint made to liquor authority about pub, claiming minors were served, after calling cops on pregnant woman.

Boss asked to hold off sharing this story until the matter was settled about religious fanatics calling cops on pregnant woman.

Thanks for the gold! And the other gold! And the silver! And the other golds!! And the other silvers!! about pregnant woman.

A pregnant woman describes how religious fanatics called cops on her for working in a pub as a cocktail waitress.

Image credits: RoadOdeLoad

But as they refused and even called the cops to arrest the waitress, authorities realized they were trespassing and fined them instead

Today’s Original Poster is a mom-to-be who is seven months pregnant. As she explains, she works as a cocktail waitress at an Irish pub, and she makes it clear that she does not drink while pregnant or on the job — ever. However, not everyone seems to understand the concept that someone can work at a place that serves alcohol without indulging in the sinful syrup (you’ll understand this gaffe in a second).

The story begins when a couple, accompanied by their children, walks into the pub. Immediately after the OP seats them and hands them their menus, they start asking a barrage of questions, mainly about her pregnancy and whether it’s legal for her to work there. They also criticized her decision to have her unborn child surrounded by alcohol — even though their own children were present.

After calling for the manager, the couple ended up ranting to the owner about having a pregnant woman working at a bar, claiming that the “alcohol vapor is absorbed” into her body through the air, and then “goes to the fetus and harms it.” At that point, the staff realizes the woman is just problematic and tells the couple they can leave or get a different server. Instead, the woman goes into a religious rant.

Her husband eventually calls the police after they are asked to leave and accused of trespassing. When the officers arrive, the couple tries to claim that the OP has been drinking while pregnant. Although the police do speak with the expectant mother, they quickly realize the couple is the one trespassing. So instead of getting away with their Karen-esque behavior, they are escorted out of the bar and fined.

A bartender pouring a drink, representing a pregnant woman working in a pub despite religious fanatics' disapproval.

Image credits: wirestock / Magnific (not the actual photo)

Now, the couple appeared to vehemently believe that being pregnant and drinking is a crime, and the police told them it isn’t, and they were absolutely correct. According to legal experts, there are no laws that criminalize drinking while pregnant. In fact, only roughly 20 states have civil laws that define substance use (including alcohol) as child neglect, but only after the baby is born.

As for the woman’s claim that alcohol vapor can be absorbed through inhalation, she was, to put it mildly, exaggerating. While experts say it is scientifically true that the human lungs can absorb alcohol vapor, studies show this only happens under extremely concentrated conditions, which an Irish pub would hardly meet. It would essentially require alcohol to be vaporized at high temperatures in a sealed room.

Granted, one could argue that, at some point during the confrontation, the Karen was trying to look out for the mother as well. In reality, though, there was no mistreatment. Legal experts point out that U.S. federal law requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for pregnant employees. Unless the OP’s job posed a direct risk to her pregnancy, the owner had no legal obligation to fire her.

After reading the story, many netizens were baffled by the woman’s double standards. Her own children were at the pub, surrounded by alcohol, yet she seemed to believe it was only a concern for a fetus that wasn’t even hers. The irony didn’t go unnoticed, and they were quick to call her out. So, do you agree with the Karen that the OP shouldn’t have been working in that environment, or was it all just bogus?

Netizens were flabbergasted at the woman’s entitlement, realizing the irony that her children were in the same environment as they were

A comment congratulating the pregnant woman on her baby, as religious fanatics caused trouble at her pub job.

A user comment on a pregnant woman working in a pub, questioning concerns about alcohol exposure for kids.

A user comment about being accused of being secondhand drunk, relating to a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A Reddit comment from KaosMaja supporting a pregnant woman working in a pub, sharing her own experience as a pregnant bartender.

A Reddit comment from emillliexx questioning the logic of religious fanatics concerning a pregnant woman working in a pub.

A Reddit comment from saportuh asking about Karen's children and their reaction to the pregnant woman working in a pub.

A Reddit comment from JayManClayton congratulating the pregnant woman and commenting on the religious fanatics' logic.

A Reddit comment from TheDarkWolf3 congratulating a pregnant woman and expressing happiness about her having backup.

Reddit comment congratulating a pregnant woman working in a pub and criticizing religious fanatics for calling the cops.

Reddit comment expressing disbelief and support for the pregnant woman working in a pub, mentioning religious fanatics.

Reddit comment supporting the pregnant woman working in a pub and criticizing the religious fanatics for calling the cops.

Reddit comment congratulating the pregnant woman working in a pub, ignoring the religious fanatics' actions.

Reddit comment expressing shock and congratulations to the pregnant woman working in a pub, referencing religious fanatics.

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Francisca Santos

Writer, BoredPanda staff

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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Francisca Santos

Writer, BoredPanda staff

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

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Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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Janelle Collard Janelle Collard Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow Premium

Premium user. Get details. 11 hours ago

Raise your hand if you knew religion would somehow get dragged into this "discussion." 🙋‍♀️

12 12points reply

Michael Largey Michael Largey Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow 9 hours ago

"I'm being a lying aggressive toxic b***h to you because Jesus told me to love everyone!"

6 6points reply Load More Replies...

Glen Ellyn Glen Ellyn Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow Premium

Premium user. Get details. 9 hours ago

Apparently, Mrs. Karen was confusing alcohol "vapors" with secondhand smoke. 🙄

6 6points reply

FluffyDreg FluffyDreg Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow 9 hours ago

Another GREAT example of "pro life untill birth" They said "or better yet, fired." They wanted a child to be raised homeless. Theres no other way around that. They wanted the child to be raised out on the streets.

6 6points reply

Leonel Roy Leonel Roy Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow 1 minute ago

My last salary was $8750, ecom only worked 12 hours a week. My longtime neighbor yr estimated $15,000 and works about 20 hours for seven days. I can't believe how blunt he was when I looked up his information, This is what I do..... 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐀𝐭𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝟏.𝐂𝐨𝐦

1 1point reply Load More Replies... Load More Comments

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Janelle Collard Janelle Collard Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow Premium

Premium user. Get details. 11 hours ago

Raise your hand if you knew religion would somehow get dragged into this "discussion." 🙋‍♀️

12 12points reply

Michael Largey Michael Largey Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow 9 hours ago

"I'm being a lying aggressive toxic b***h to you because Jesus told me to love everyone!"

6 6points reply Load More Replies...

Glen Ellyn Glen Ellyn Community Member • points posts comments upvotes Follow Unfollow Premium

Premium user. Get details. 9 hours ago

Apparently, Mrs. Karen was confusing alcohol "vapors" with secondhand smoke. 🙄

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Delulu Karen Calls Cops On Pregnant Worker For Breathing Alcohol Fumes, Gets Handcuffed For It

Karen Accuses Pregnant Pub Worker Of Drinking Because Fumes "Go To The Fetus," Police Disagree

Working while pregnant is a risk many women take, but a necessity that you can’t normally avoid

A pregnant woman was working at an Irish pub as a waitress when a family of 4 walked in, and the parents immediately started asking questions

They questioned whether she had been drinking and kept insisting she shouldn’t be there altogether due to the “alcohol vapor”

The couple was convinced that by working near alcoholic beverages, the woman was endangering her unborn child

They ended up demanding to talk to the manager, and once the owner came up, they decided they wanted the waitress fired

After refusing to fire her and offering to have someone else take their order, the couple then started preaching about God

At that point, the owner had already asked them to leave, which meant they were trespassing

But as they refused and even called the cops to arrest the waitress, authorities realized they were trespassing and fined them instead

Netizens were flabbergasted at the woman’s entitlement, realizing the irony that her children were in the same environment as they were

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Francisca Santos

Francisca Santos

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

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