A high-end restaurant group in New York and London has officially started a "Phone-Lock" policy. When you arrive, your phone is placed in a small timed safe at the center of the table. If you want to unlock it before the bill is paid, you have to pay a "distraction surcharge" of 15% on top of your meal. The owners say it’s the only way to get people to actually talk to each other again.

If you were at dinner with your partner or friends, would you be willing to lock your phone away for two hours for a discount? Or is having your phone on the table a "basic right" in 2026?

A high-end restaurant group in New York and London has officially started a "Phone-Lock" policy. When you arrive, your phone is placed in a small timed safe at the center of the table. If you want to unlock it before the bill is paid, you have to pay a "distraction surcharge" of 15% on top of your meal. The owners say it&rsquo;s the only way to get people to actually talk to each other again.
If you were at dinner with your partner or friends, would you be willing to lock your phone away for two hours for a discount? Or is having your phone on the table a "basic right" in 2026?

Hosted by the vivacious Stephanie Be, get a different flavour on 5 Mid Mornings. Current affairs, updates, news, views and all things entertainment!

Hosted by the vivacious Stephanie Be, get a different flavour on 5 Mid Mornings.

5 Mid Mornings

5 Mid Mornings is the best way to ease into your workday – keeping your finger on the pulse with the news, tackling some super engaging topics, interesting world views and keeping the good music flowing. It focuses strongly on uplifting and empowering young women, but is definitely also something for the guys!

5 Mid Mornings is the best way to ease into your workday – keeping your finger on the pulse with the news, tackling some super engaging topics, interesting world views and keeping the good music flowing. It focuses strongly on uplifting and empowering young women, but is definitely also something for the guys!