Tommy Tiernan fans in the US have been warned they will be “escorted out of the venue” if they are seen using a phone or smartwatch during performances on his latest tour.

The Irish comedian has banned phones, smartwatches and other accessories from the tour of the US West Coast which kicks this week.

Organisers have warned people attending that they will have to put their accessories into ‘Yondr’ pouches and will only be able to access them in specific phone-free areas of the venue.

Yondr is a patented system that locks accessories in a special pouch that can only be opened by event staff.

Yondr cases at a concert in Florida. Image: Alamy Live News

Tiernan previously used the technology at his Vicar Street gigs in Dublin – but this is the first time watches will be included in the ban.

The comedian was inspired to use it after seeing how it worked at a Bob Dylan concert at the 3Arena.

Speaking on his podcast, he said the system helped create a “fantastic” atmosphere at his Dublin shows.

Tommy Tiernan performing on the opening night of 'Just For Laughs' Toronto Festival, 06-07-2010. Image: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy

In a message to fans, organisers of his US shows said:

“This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. There will be phone-use areas inside the venue to check your device.

“Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event.

“Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times and can access them throughout the event only in designated Phone Use Areas within the venue.

“All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space.

“Anyone seen using a device - phone, smartwatch or accessories - during the performance will be escorted out of the venue.”