Inside UK Pub Chain That Has Banned TV, Music, And Swearing

A UK pub chain has banned mobile phones, tablets, laptops, televisions and jukeboxes, as well as swearing.

Think about what pubs were like in the old days: at most, punters would be reading the newspaper, but they'd be chatting to each other over a drink, probably through a cloud of smoke as you opened the door.

Now, with smart technology in everyone's pockets, any lull in conversation can lead to people burying their heads in their phones. In an effort to curb this 21st century habit, a pub chain is trying to make a difference.

The rules have been enforced by Samuel Smith's Old Brewery across their many establishments since 2019.

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For example, at The Boot Inn in Chester, punters are warned that no under 18s are allowed in the premises, and they only accept cash payments (anyone who comes from a small town won't find this particularly shocking).

However, there's another notice: "Customer notice: in accordance with company policy, this site is a digital free zone. We ask that you please refrain from using mobiles, laptops, tablets, e-readers or any other device whilst on the premises. If you do need to use them for any reason, please step outside. We would like our traditional pub to be a haven for social conversation."

As detailed by Cheshire Live, the rules continue on other signs: "No under 18’s; no dogs except guide dogs; no jogging/tracksuit bottoms after 5pm; please be aware that this pub is a cash only site.

"No swearing policy: we wish to inform our customers that we have introduced a zero tolerance policy against swearing in all of our pubs. Please kindly respect this policy."

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The last one may seem a little strange, given the colourful language many may associate with going to the pub for a few drinks. However, it seems the chain wants to make the casual pint all the more civilised.

One reporter for Leeds Live decided to put the rules to the test by taking in all his tech and posing for a selfie inside the bar.

He then proceeded to ask the barmaid if he could pay by PayPal, in lieu of cash.

"You can’t use those in here. If the owner Humphrey [Smith] were to come in and saw that, he’d tell us to shut and ask everyone to leave," she said.

He was then asked to leave as a result, and after he took one more sneaky selfie, she even asked: "You’ll have to delete that picture. Please don’t post it anywhere as we could all get sacked."