Phones are the new cigarettes: why restaurants are discouraging and even banning them
Would you hand in your phone at the door in exchange for a free bottle of wine? One restaurateur has tried that – and there are now many other gambits that are encouraging us to connect
TL;DR
- Restaurants and bars are increasingly adopting phone-free policies.
- Methods include psychological deterrents (camera stickers), physical measures (locked pouches), and incentives (free wine).
- The goal is to encourage face-to-face conversation and improve the dining experience.
- Some establishments, like HMP Brixton's The Clink, have phone bans due to their location.
- Even large chains like Pizza Express and Wetherspoons are implementing phone-related policies.