Times Colonist

Café clarifies post-5 p.m. screen ban after backlash

- ALY THOMSON

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.

 ??  ?? The goal of the ban on working at a screen after 5 is to create a “place of sanctuary,” café says.
The goal of the ban on working at a screen after 5 is to create a “place of sanctuary,” café says.

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