A pub is offering to cut 50 percent off customers' food bills if they lock their phones away... quite literally.
Bosses at The Silent Woman Inn, in Wareham Forest, Dorset, are encouraging punters to get offline and spend some quality time with their family and friends when they're eating.
It's hoped the initiative will also allow for a calmer environment and stop customers from getting annoyed at listening to other people talking on their phones.
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According to the pub, a 'No Phone Zone' is being tested out until the end of the month (30 December).
As per The Sun, speaking about the proposal, a spokesperson for the pub said: "The last 18 months have been tough for us all, and the team at the pub pride themselves on creating those special moments around the table.
"We looked at various ways we could encourage people to engage more at the dinner table, and we've found giving families the chance to part with their devices for a mere couple of hours is a great way to bring them closer and embrace family time.
"So, with this December set to be even more special than usual, make every moment count, and make up for all those moments lost by celebrating the Christmas season at The Silent Woman, phone free!"
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This isn't the first time a boozer has looked to encourage people to stop staring at their screens.
Back in 2019, bosses at Samuel Smith pubs announced they had banned punters from using their mobile phones, tablets, or laptops.
The brewery's owner Humphrey Smith sent a letter to the managers of his 200 boozers informing them they were to stop customers from using devices inside their establishments.
The memo also said customers have been specially banned from downloading music apps.
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It read: "The brewery's policy is to not allow customers from using mobile phones, laptops or similar in pubs. If the customer receives a call, then he or she should go outside to take it in the same way as is required with smoking.
"Whether outside or inside, tablets and iPads must be prohibited. Customers must not be allowed to receive transmitted pictures of sport or download music apps on the brewery's premises either inside or outside."
Previously, the chain's owner had introduced other rules to help maintain a certain level of decorum.
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In the past they have banned music being played, while there are no televisions in any of their taverns, and there is a strict no swearing policy.
According to the brewery, the uncompromising stance ensured they maintain their 'traditional, uncompromisingly Victorian aesthetic'.
Over a decade ago, staff at the Court Inn in Durham banned drinkers from using mobile phones as a way of trying to stamp out antisocial behaviour.
And in 2016, regulars at The Gin Tub in Brighton were told to stop using their phones, and the Beefeater chain introduced 'no phone zones' in their restaurants on Mother's Day.
Featured Image Credit: Barr and Barr HospitalityTopics: Food And Drink, UK News