Pub Chain Samuel Smith Bands Drinkers from Using Mobile Phone
In the News
Pub chain Samuel Smith's band drinkers from using mobile phones as boss threaten 's staff with the sack if they let any anyone break the rule.
What ever next. They are going to lose people over this. What do you make of it. 
They might actually gain custom - I haven't been in any pub for over two years, but I used to like Sam Smiths pubs, no TVs - no fruit machines - no juke boxes etc. (and low prices) If they've banned mobile phones I might even go back into pubs,
It won't ever be a Wetherspoons where apparently they let people use an app to order their drinks, bypassing the people who've been patiently queuing at the bar.
I can see the positive in this idea but think it is horrendous that staff are made to implement this ban. It is surely not their job to risk verbal or physical abuse by telling customers to stop using their phones. How can they have eyes everywhere if people are using phone under table or with back to the bar? Better to have made it voluntary initially and see how it went.
Hi lynibis its all wrong that the staff can lose there jobs over this. The staff will be watch from a camera. It's true what you said people will get around it. I think they will lose people. And no one will work for them. What is this world coming to. 
nicolajaynehend There are no threats to the staff regarding their jobs they are just told to draw attention to the rule (which is prominently displayed) just as they are supposed to advise against bad language or smoking, It is the landlord responsible for any enforcement. Customers are still allowed to use their phones for emails should they wish.
Many restaurants have a no mobile phone use whilst dining rule - what's wrong with no mobile phone whilst drinking? Those who go out for a quiet drink and conversation don't want to hear others (most of whom shout) on their phones. Some pubs have got so noisy people can't hear themselves think,
If they want to use their phones they can do what smokers have to do and go outside.
davidstockport ah that puts it more into perspective. I had thought it sounded a bit draconian. Maybe they could move on to trains next. Hate hearing folk shouting their private lives out for all to hear.
I doubt people are going to go under the table to use their phones, or use their phones while the phone is under the table - the rule DOESN'T apply to those using their phones for receiving emails and presumably texts. Just those who spoil it for others shouting down phones.
davidstockport lol didn't mean they would go under table.....just hold it under table. But that doesn't apply now I know it is only for talking.
Lynibis I ask them to either ask the person they're talking to to speak louder or put their phones on speaker phone as I hate only hearing one side of a conversation.
Some trains do have supposedly "quiet carriages" not that you'd notice.
Can’t see how they can tell people not to
plus they is always A toilet I suppose 
Good luck to them. It might draw in the older generation of customers, but only whilst they are still around...the new generation are glued to their phones, so they will be drinking elsewhere
Those youngsters who are glued to their phones can always go into a Wetherspoons pub - where if they're like the few I've been in they can also get glued to the floor.
davidstockport sounds like they’d cause less trouble that way - best they stay on the floor 
Staff shouldn't be expected or threatened to enforce this. Unless this is an early April Fools' day joke, it would suggest Samuel Smith isn't a very good employer. Customers would just choose to go elsewhere if they feel lectured to or harassed. If they don't want people to use mobile phones set up a bar/pub in a sub basement or in the middle of nowhere 
Don't see this a a good commercial decision, people will either go outside which is likely to affect Bar Trade, or go elsewhere. Never really seen it as a problem in the pub myself, if that's what people choose to do, now if they were in Church or the Cinema, etc I could understand it, but the noisy pub.
I think it's a good idea to get people reconnecting again. People are too busy using their mobile phones and not talking anymore I myself am the same. I would be willing to turn my mobile off or not take it out with me for a night with friends or family. Thumbs up to them for trying
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