Is New Bedford Ready for a Digital Detox Pub?

I was lucky enough to have my travels bring me to London, England this summer. I also went to London, Ontario, but I wouldn't recommend the latter. During our stay in London, England, I was amazed to find a rule that was posted in a number of different pubs in the city. It was a rule I have never seen in the United States. Restaurants and pubs proudly identified themselves as "Digital Detox Pubs."

What Is a Digital Detox Pub?

The first time I saw it was at the Duke of York Pub next door to the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, where Hamilton is currently playing. The sign read, "Use of mobiles, laptops, and other digital devices is NOT ALLOWED." Yes, they put it in all caps. "Beer and conversation encouraged."

The Rule Is Not a Polite Suggestion

The sign stating that they were a Digital Detox Pub was not a polite suggestion, by the way. I witnessed a middle aged couple get spoken to about the policy. The bartender delivered the news to them in a chipper, British tone, but you could tell the policy was firm.

This idea is not just coming from a one-off pub. The Duke of York is one of more than 200 pubs across Britain that is run by the Samuel Smith Brewery company (no relation to the singer Sam Smith).

Would a Phone Free Pub Work in New Bedford or Fall River?

It got me thinking, is New Bedford or Fall River ready for a pub like this? Do you think they could get away with a policy like that, or would they lose more business than they'd gain?

Hey, maybe there's a local pub out there already doing this. If there is, please let me know.

I really like the idea. I'm 100 percent sure I could pry myself away from my phone for a couple of hours to enjoy some food, drinks and fun. I certainly hope most of us could do that. It could also be the perfect excuse of why you might not have returned someone's call in a timely manner.

Could You Survive a Phone-Free Vacation?

I've heard of people taking phone-free vacations, and the idea of one sounds so relaxing and refreshing. It's sad, though. I don't know if I could do it. Could I actually leave the phone charger at home and disconnect from the world like it's 1989? That might be a bigger challenge.