Should restaurants ban phones? 

Recently, a bistro in north-eastern France banned phones on the grounds and that customers were far too distracted by their phones that they sometimes did not even notice wait staff ready to take their orders. 

The bistro has declared the policy a great success and said it has boosted orders as customers have more time to spend enjoying their food. 

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, chef Darina Allen said they de facto have a similar policy at the Ballymaloe Cookery School because coverage is so poor. 

“It’s a very old house and the walls are so thick in several parts of the house that there’s no coverage anyway,” she said. 

“So, basically, people are a little bit surprised and maybe slightly put out. 

“Then they totally are into it and they just accept there isn’t coverage and that’s it - but gosh, people feel strongly in both directions.” 

Ms Allen said when she sees people at a restaurant scrolling away on their phones she feels “kind of sad”. 

“Particularly if there are couples with both of them on their phones,” she said. 

“We’re married for 53 years, we’ve said a lot, we’ve had a lot of the same kind of conversations but it’s really quite an exercise to decide, ‘That’s it, we’re not going to look at the phones.’”

A restaurant in County Limerick. Picture by: Alamy.com

Also on the programme, journalist and stylist Laura Mullet said Ms Allen raised  “such valid points” but said many people go out to eat, relax and just enjoy themselves. 

“At the tail end of a long day, sometimes you’re going out for a little bite to eat or something, your phone has finally stopped buzzing with work-related things,” she said. 

“I think it’s nice to not feel bossed or censored and if you want to have a little browse or check your texts and catch up on them. 

“I think there’s definitely an etiquette and a natural feeling of knowing when it’s right or wrong to be on your phone.”

Main image: Young women friends using smart phone at restaurant table. Picture by: Alamy.com