by Robin Degner

Created on: January 30, 2009

Banned? No cell phones shouldn't be banned in restaurants. People should, however, exhibit common courteosy when using them. There is a time to turn off the cell phones, and let yourself not be available, but cell phones shouldn't be banned from anywhere.

Is using cell phones in restaurants rude? Of course it is. It's rude to the other customers, it's rude to the people you're on the phone with. It's even rude to the servers who need to decide whether to interrupt your conversation or come back later. As a former server, I can tell you this much: whatever the server decides, the rude person on the cell phone will be upset.

Just because something is rude, doesn't mean it should be banned. Talking on a cell phone isn't like smoking, it doesn't hurt other people. People need to grow up and make their own decisions and make decisions that will not be rude to others without the decision being made for them.

When parents go out to dinner, for instance, having a cell phone on hand in case their children or the babysitter calls is important. It allows parents that element of security that is essential to them. Couples on a date, especially young couples, should have a cell phone in case their worried parents call.

Instead of banning cell phone usage, consider these other alternatives for using a cell phone so customers can bring it in without being rude to others:

- Turning the cell phone to vibrate so no one else can hear it, and you can choose to answer it or not if it's an important call. It's not like it's on silent, so you'll still be aware of the call, but this way, if you don't hear it or are too distracted to answer it, you won't bother others.

- Step outside when the phone rings so no one else can hear your conversation or silence it and let it go to voice mail. Call the person back later.

- Wait until after the server takes your order before taking the call or calling someone.

- If you're eating with other people, don't answer your phone. That's rude to them, it's also rude to the caller.

I think the fact that banning cell phones is something that must be considered is ridiculous. People are incredibly dependent on their cell phones and tend to forget that there is such a thing as etiquette, even with cell phones. Should we have to create cell phone etiquette? No, we should use common sense.

Consider the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. And apply it to your cell phone usage. Especially in restaurants.

Learn more about this author, Robin Degner.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.