by Stan Dyer

Created on: January 08, 2010

A lawyer friend of mine is fond of saying, "You can't legislate intelligence."  In this case, it might be just as appropriate to argue, "You can't legislate good manners."  Just as people should know the basic rules of etiquette and how to behave in public, they should also know that using one's cell phone in a public restaurant or dining room is rude, inconsiderate, and disrupts the dining experience for every other patron. 

There was a time when smokers were allowed to light up anywhere; on planes, in cars, and even in elevators.  People did it, didn't think much of it, and only a few took the time to consider how rude it was to the people around them who did not care for the smoke.  In those times, other people had to rely on the good sense and good manners of smokers not to engage in such activities when they might infringe upon the rights of others.  That reliance on good manners did not work so well, and, as a result, many cities and states began outlawing smoking in nearly every enclosed, public space, including restaurants.  Now, a similar struggle is beginning with the increased use of cell phones, PDA's, and pagers, and I like to see it kept out of the courts.  Don't let history repeat.

This is the digital age, and the need to be connected is important for many.  I do not wish to deny anyone the right to access the technology that he or she pays so dearly to have.  Yet, at the same time, I and others appreciate the atmosphere created by the restaurant when dining out, and despise having it interrupted by some loud, giggly mom explaining to her mother over the phone all about how little Jimmy crapped his pants in the car seat.  I also don't want to listen to some hormone-enriched high school student brag out loud to his friends about what great hooters the new clerk at McDonald's has.  Hey, have your freedom, tell your stories, and share your conquests, but at least have the intelligence, courtesy and manners to take it outside!

There is no conceivable reason why such activity should be limited by law.  As with smoking, people should just know better.  People should be smart enough to figure this one out on their own.  There are some professional people who really need to stay connected, and not allowing them to have their cell phones on in restaurants could actually be a matter of life or death.  Keep the cell phones, keep your freedom of speech, but also keep me happy by taking your calls outside, or to any place on the planet other than the dining room of the restaurant I'm visiting.  It's not too much to ask, and all it takes is a little consideration.  

So, please, think about it and be courteous.  After all, you rely on me and others not to belch at the table, fart in your general direction, and to pretty much behave as we would at Sunday dinner with Grandma, so return us the favor and take the phone discussion about your recent STD test outside where it belongs.  Let me and the rest of the folks in the restaurant enjoy the evening out in the peace and quiet provided by a roomful of muted technology.  We will thank you ahead of time. 

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