I see Frankie and Benny's are trialling banning mobile phones to encourage more 'family time' Would you eat there as a result?
When I am in Dorset I sometimes go to a pub where mobile phones have to be switched off. If one does go off then it will cost the owner £1 as they use the fine as a charity fund raiser. I don't think they raise very much.
Mobile phones in all public places are a plague. The trouble is that people walk along the street talking into thin air and you can't tell who is mad any more When I see people (normally young) walking along the street, playing with their ipads (or whatever they're called) the whole time, I feel like shaking them and telling them to look at the real World for a change. I would definitely back any restaurant taking this step (however grotty the food is) - moreover I would ban them on all public transport, other than in case of emergency - I just don't want to be forced to listen to some of the mundane conversations taking place next to me. Ok. rant over.
I'd ban mobile phones from all restaurants...and add trains, buses, pubs, cafes, cinemas and galleries while you're at it! Talk, look around you and, if all else fails, read. Apologies to all those who love their phones. Mine's for checking a friend or relative is at the agreed meeting place or saying what time I'll be home
I really enjoy those who walk into me whilst fiddling with their phones, especially as I have seen them coming, stopped and planted my feet firmly.
I was recently in a cafe where four people at the same neighbouring table were all on their phones. I couldn't help wondering if they were texting each other.
My youngest daughter requires an operation to have hers removed from her hand. I remember having to run up the hill to use the pay phone to speak to my wife 50 years ago when we first met. Times have changed, not sure for the better.
I often eat in there anyway - my nieces' favourite haunt. I don't really care one way or the other about mobiles in restaurants and pubs but get a bit irritated when they go off in the theatre, opera or cinema.