Pub offers customers 50 per cent off if they LOCK their phones away during their meal

A PUB is offering 50 per cent off food and drink if they LOCK their phones away during their meal.

Bosses at The Silent Woman, in Wareham Forest, Dorset, believe it will encourage punters to enjoy the company of their family and friends.

They say it will also stop other customers being annoyed by a constant stream of phone call chatter.

The pub will provide the prision like boxes, where customers will lock their phones for the duration of their meal.

'No Phone Zone' is being trialled until December 30th 2021 and customers agreeing to it will receive 50 per cent off their bill.

A study carried out by mobile network testing company Global Wireless Solutions found that 71 per cent of Brits use their phones at the dinner table to check social media feeds, message family or friends, or take photos of their food.

The study also showed that eight in 10 people who admitted to using their phones while dining also get irritated when they see others doing the same.

A spokesman for the pub said: “The last 18 months have been tough for us all, and the team at the pub pride themselves on creating those special moments around the table.

"We looked at various ways we could encourage people to engage more at the dinner table, and we've found giving families the chance to part with their devices for a mere couple of hours is a great way to bring them closer and embrace family time.

"So, with this December set to be even more special than usual, make every moment count, and make up for all those moments lost by celebrating the Christmas season at The Silent Woman, phone free!"