When I am traveling and I do not have a client or vendor to have a meal with I tend to gravitate towards bar and grill type places where I can sit at the bar and read the paper or feed my ESPN jones.

I was in So California (OC) a coupla weeks ago, i was watching a bowl game and my cell phone rang I answered and started a conversation with the caller.

About thirty seconds into the call the bartender taps my shoulder and asks me to take the call outside. I shrug and step out onto sidewalk in front of the place and finish my call.

i went back in and asked the bartender ( who had put my beer on Ice while I was out) "was I being too loud"?
She explained that they have a rule that they ask that cell phone calls over 30 seconds be taken outside. I asked if this was the rule everywhere and she explained that they are a small neighborhood bar and grill and the "regulars" like it this way and so they try to enforce it as best they can.
She was in no way rude or snotty and I probably could've been a jerk to her but hey its their bar and they can do as they please.

I hadnt thought much about it until the other night I was at My local bar watching the Sugar Bowl and I realized that the guy next to me was reading the entire menu to his wifw so she could decide what he should bring home.
Another guy was fight ing with his wife/gf
there were two or three guys on their nextel walkie talkie talking about finishing the house on lot 32 etc. and the endless chirping of their phones.

I thought to my self "boy I wish these guys would take it outside"

Any way just wanted to see if this is a trend or just a once in a blue moon thing. I have to say I wouldnt mind if they did it at my local watering horn.

Thoughts , comments?