Restaurants and bars worldwide are implementing phone restrictions to combat what industry figures are calling the "new cigarettes" in dining establishments. Ranging from lockable pouches to complete phone bans, these establishments aim to restore human connection and reduce distraction during meals, with owners reporting that customers often welcome the policies as a necessary respite from constant digital engagement.

Examples include Antagonist in Charlotte, North Carolina, which provides lockable pouches upon entry; The Saloon in Washington, DC, which prohibits phones entirely; and Eulalie in Manhattan, which enforces its no-phone policy at the entrance. Internationally, Spy Bar in London places stickers over camera lenses, whilst AI Condominio in Verona offers diners complimentary wine for surrendering their phones. Even major chains like Chick-fil-A have joined the movement with their "Cellphone Coops Challenge," offering free ice cream in exchange for storing phones in a box. However, beverage experts caution that universal bans may be excessive, suggesting instead that voluntary phone-free events or designated screen-free sections strike a better balance with modern life.