Here's a Good One: Cell Phone Ban in Restaurants

Well, you can't blame City Councilman Leroy Comrie for lack of optimism. Comrie, who represents the 27th District, had considered introducing a bill that would have banned cellphones in restaurants. Seriously. However, the NY Sun now reports that bill will probably not be presented at all, after Comrie heard complaints from the restaurant industry.

"I was surprised at the feedback from the restaurant owners, that they didn't like it," Mr. Comrie, a Democrat of Queens, said. The idea for the law came out of discussions with his staff, as well as the annoying experiences of having restaurant meals disrupted by rude cell phones users, including one, he recalled, in which a patron appeared to be conducting play-by-play of a baseball game over the phone.

The negative response quickly changed his mind about the bill. "The restaurant business is an industry we want to flourish and support, and not unduly burden with over-regulation," Mr. Comrie said, adding: "I don't want to be seen as anti-business."

Of course not. The ban would have applied only to "white linen" restaurants, so loud conversations at McDonald's to a local diner would be all right.

Using a cellphone during a meal out can be rude, but when it's between friends or significant others and you're checking messages and using your very best inside voice, it's passable if it's short and sweet - other people are talking, too! Or you can leave the table and make the call in a hall. Leave the city's banning of cell phones to schools - where students seem to be bringing more phones and other gadgets than ever.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Food, News on October 23, 2006 2:34 PM

Comments [rss]

Mé

Tim N., I absolutely agree.

I think you can use a cell phone is public and be fine. It is that people are inconsiderate. It is amazing what people think is acceptable--screaming fights, cursing people out, talking extremely loud, holding up lines/cashiers because they can't be bothered to stop talking for 3 minutes, answering phones in the movies/library/museum.

Mé

Tim N., I absolutely agree.

I think you can use a cell phone is public and be fine. It is that people are inconsiderate. It is amazing what people think is acceptable--screaming fights, cursing people out, talking extremely loud, holding up lines/cashiers because they can't be bothered to stop talking for 3 minutes, answering phones in the movies/library/museum.

Tim N.

The problem isn't the phones themselves, it's the rudeness and the inconsideration. It would be great if we could outlaw rude people, but unless we're willing to take that step (and accept the unintended negative consequences) then the schmucks (and their phones) will always be with us.

Don't get me wrong, if I never saw a cell phone in a public place again I'd be very happy. But there is certainly a way to use a cell phone without being an a**hole, but you have to care. I'd rather see hosts/hostesses saying, "I'm sorry, sir/madam, you have to leave because you are being rude to my other customers."

brooklynbee

Wouldn't it be great if restaurants and similar public places had areas where, if you needed to make a phone call, you could go and have a private conversation. It could be, say, a booth encased in glass.

REALITY CHECK

The restaurants can easily solve the problem on their own by sending over the maitre'd or host, and he or she could say "Stop talking on your phone."

zincink

"best inside voice"

there is no such thing!

try taking my train..its an assault on the ears..

my solution is to use the ipod...but sometimes this STILL doesn't kill the jibber jabber noise..

Ace

but when it's between friends or significant others and you're checking messages and using your very best inside voice, it's passable if it's short and sweet -No

Or you can leave the table and make the call in a hall -Yes

Teddy N.

There's always a small group of people who couldn't care less if they're interrupting another person's meal by their loud, obnoxious conversation. I even witnessed a verbal argument because of this in a restaurant. The police arrived soon, but there were no arrests. I just hope that the subway/planes don't become cellphone friendly.