Café clarifies post-5 p.m. screen ban after backlash
HALIFAX — A popular Halifax café and bar found itself in a firestorm of caffeine-fuelled controversy Tuesday after declaring itself “screen free” after 5 p.m.
Lion and Bright cafe, in the city’s hip north end, recently posted signs informing patrons of the rule, which requires workrelated screens such as laptops and tablets to be put away during the evening.
“Close your screens, meet your neighbours! Lion & Bright is now screen free after 5 p.m. daily,” the sign read in a photo posted to Facebook. An asterisk at the bottom of the sign said: “Includes Kindles, tablets, iPads, etc.”
The rule sparked a debate online, and while a few people were receptive to the change, others declared it “pretentious.”
A Twitter user named Simon Leither said: “Well, I know where I won’t be going. I can manage my own device usage, be a social human being and engage with people on my own terms.”
Another Twitter user named Philip Moscovitch said: “Weird for a place that has tables specifically reserved for people who are working, and that is full of people working all the time. ”
The backlash prompted the restaurant to issue a statement late Tuesday afternoon apologizing if the rule came off as “patronizing and haughty.”
“This was not our intention,” the statement said. “Being committed to openness and building a safe space for community to gather, we have taken the constructive feedback and have decided to edit those signs with a clearer message.”
It said the rule was “strictly for the benefit of our clientele to enjoy the dynamic space and offerings we’ve created in the community.”
“Focusing on creating a restaurant that is a place of sanctuary and leisure after 5 p.m. is integral to our longevity and our guests’ well-being,” the release said.
In an interview Tuesday afternoon, owner Sean Gallagher said the rule has always been in place, but had not been advertised previously in a clear way.
“We had no idea it was going to be a bold move, but it’s turning into one on social media, which is interesting and insightful,” Gallagher said.
He clarified that the rule does not include things such as smartphones or reading a book on a Kindle — only devices being used for work purposes.
Gallagher said Lion and Bright is a hybrid establishment, operating as a café from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. and a bar and restaurant after that.
He said during the day, many use the café as a work space. But in the evening, people are encouraged to “turn off their work” and relax and socialize.
“It’s a work hard, play hard philosophy,” said Gallagher.
“If you’re using a screen and you’re tapping away and you’re plugged into headphones, you’re closed off to the world. We’re saying, at 5 p.m., now is the time to relax, connect with people, look people in the eye, share a drink, share your hopes for the future, talk about your work day, destress, and enjoy yourself.”
Lion and Bright is not the only café to attempt to grapple with such digital-age issues.
HotBlack Coffee in downtown Toronto has not offered Wi-Fi since opening last year, in an attempt to foster a community atmosphere. One New York City chain has decided to do without at most of its outlets as well.