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

Mé

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:27:50 -0500

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

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:26:53 -0500

Tim N.

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:02:20 -0500

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

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:58:44 -0500

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

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:49:02 -0500

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

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:40:51 -0500

"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

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:30:26 -0500

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.

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:06:19 -0500

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.

Miquel

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:00:54 -0500

They launched a pilot project for this already. I heard they confiscated over 3,000 cell phones...oh, wait that's public schools.