If you’re a Boomer or Gen X’er, you remember choosing between “Smoking” or “Non-Smoking” at restaurants . . . and now, some places might do the same thing with CELL PHONES.
As we all know, many people don’t know how to be DISCREET with their phone usage . . . so it can become pretty disruptive.
Some restaurants and bars have started asking people to put their phone into lockable pouches when they arrive . . . like some concerts and shows.
Others offer perks for voluntarily giving up their phones. Like a bottle of wine . . . or some Chick-fil-A locations have a “Cellphone Coops Challenge,” where groups can stash their phones in a box in exchange for free ice cream.
And some have signs announcing cell phone bans . . . and will ask guests to leave if they don’t follow the rules. (That obviously works better in smaller, intimate environments, like speakeasies and fancy restaurants.)
The general manager at one place said, “There’s something to phones being the new cigarette . . . [their overuse is a] societal problem, not a restaurant problem.”
Most people think complete bans take things too far, because many people do expect to be reachable in important situations. And it’s also “not hospitality” to be taking people’s phones . . . and a quick snap or two doesn’t bother anyone.
So some places are interested in experimenting with “voluntary phone-free events, dedicated screen-free sections, or a small surprise from the kitchen or bar for guests who choose to participate.”