Laptops Being Banned In Restaurants

Laptops Being Banned In Restaurants

 Dining alone is one of the most solitary¹ experiences a person can have. It’s a lot of “me time.” And if you’ve done a solo dining date then you’ve likely brought along a book or magazine. Something to pass the time. The Boston Globe posted a piece about Michael Sobelman’s ban on reading, and laptops, in his restaurant.

Sobelman’s reasoning for shutting off the lights when he noticed a customer reading is that he needs to turn over tables, and a reader could often linger for hours nursing a sandwich while they finish up those last few chapters. It’s a viewpoint shared by other private restaurant owners.

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Most of us are used to seeing wi-fi availability at big chains like Starbucks or Panera Bread. We assume today that it’s acceptable to sit with a laptop or book for hours on end. Initially² I was taken aback by the practice of Sobelman, and other owners like him, whom take a hard line approach to banning reading and laptops.

Personally it depends on the type of establishment. A quick dine and go style place such as a deli with limited seating needs to turn over customers just to stay in business. People don’t dine out as much anymore, and even an extra 30 minutes taken by a reader can cost a restaurant valuable cash.

And it’s not like there aren’t other choices. If you find it necessary to browse³ Facebook while eating out, then head to Panera. Or sit yourself down at the bar of a restaurant where it’s expected customers will be enjoying a meal for 1 to 2 hours. It’s about survival for these owners, and even without the loss of real estate caused by readers most are barely able to make ends meet.

1 solitary   

adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士

参考例句：

• I am rather fond of a solitary stroll in the country.我颇喜欢在乡间独自徜徉。
• The castle rises in solitary splendour on the fringe of the desert.这座城堡巍然耸立在沙漠的边际，显得十分壮美。

2 initially   

adv.最初，开始

参考例句：

• The ban was initially opposed by the US.这一禁令首先遭到美国的反对。
• Feathers initially developed from insect scales.羽毛最初由昆虫的翅瓣演化而来。

3 browse   

vi.随意翻阅，浏览；(牛、羊等)吃草

参考例句：

• I had a browse through the books on her shelf.我浏览了一下她书架上的书。
• It is a good idea to browse through it first.最好先通篇浏览一遍。