A café has come under fire among for introducing a ‘screen free’ policy.
Lion and Bright Café Wine Bar – in Halifax, Canada – has been criticised over bringing in a tech ban after 5pm every day.
A sign reads: “Close your screens, meet your neighbours! Lion and Bright is now screen free after 5pm daily.”
When they say ‘screens’, this includes Kindles, iPads, tablets and computers.
It was patron David Fraser who set controversy rolling on Facebook, posting a screenshot of the note along with his thoughts.
“This is the last straw. According to Foursquare, I’ve been to Lion and Bright at least 524 times,” he explained.
“I go to get some work done in the afternoon, enjoy some really nice local craft beer, and have a bite to eat. Even with my laptop, I do manage to chat with people there I know, but fewer people I know are going there.”
He went on to brand the new ‘rule’ as ‘completely inhospitable’, and confirmed that Lion and Bright is no longer his 'favourite' spot in Halifax.
It seems David is not the only one to feel outraged by the move.
“I went there once in the last year. The signs said ‘no laptops during lunch hour’. I left and never returned. ‘Nuf said,” wrote another.
One patron advised management at Lion and Bright to ‘consider performing an autopsy on how the rules have been implemented to this date’, recalling a recent occasion when he was asked to move from a window table (a ‘screen free zone’) to the bar (an area with no power outlets).
“I have decided not to stay there and socialise ever since. While I strongly support these rules in principle, a little sanity check and moderation would go a long way,” he wrote.
The venue’s management felt compelled to issue a statement regarding the new rule and the recent controversy - but wouldn’t go back on their decision to implement the rule.
“We, by no means, expect patrons to put away their phones, or not to feel free to read a book/e-reader if they wish to do so while they dine. This message is meant as a reminder that we close our café at 5pm and open our restaurant and bar at 5pm,” the message read.
They added that the rule was ‘strictly for the benefit of their clientele, to enjoy the dynamic space and offerings they have created’.
“Focusing on creating a restaurant that is a place of sanctuary and leisure after 5pm is integral to our longevity and our guests’ well-being,” they added.
What are your thoughts, mums?
