lay on the ground and cry

At what age does it stop being acceptable to lay on the ground and cry when you don't want to do something?

I watched a four year old boy lie face down on the cement floor at Alterra because he didn't want to leave.  His mom grabbed him by the waist and attempted to stand him on his feet.  He just crumpled to the floor again, face down not moving.

She tempted him with a cookie, and finally just picked him up and carried him to the car.