Customers at a south London branch of Greggs will no longer be served if they are wearing headphones or glued to their phone, according to reports.
A sign has appeared at a Croydon branch of the popular high street bakery chain, warning staff may “refuse service” if they do not adhere to the new rules.
“When in queue, remove your headphone/AirPods and come off phones or we may have to refuse service,” the sign reads.
A member of staff explained the move has been made as customers often appear to be “lost in another world”, stalling queues and wasting staff time.
“We get more and more customers coming in who seem to be lost in another world,” a member of staff at the Croydon branch told The Sun.
“We try to be helpful and get everyone served quickly during busy times, but it’s impossible if customers can’t hear a word you’re saying.
“The sign is pretty blunt but we have no option.”
The chain has more than 2,450 branches across the UK, but the phone and headphone ban is understood to be particular to one store in Croydon.
The move has been met with a mixed reception online.
Some praised the decision, with one X user writing: “Fascinating move by Greggs! In a world where we're constantly connected, it's refreshing to see a business encouraging presence and community. I've seen the benefits of phone-free time in my own life, from increased productivity to deeper connections with others.”
Another X user, who works in retail, said: “I once had a customer loudly talk on the phone whilst I was serving her and I said I’m just going to serve the next customer whilst you’re on your call because I find it rude. She shouted at me.”
Another said they felt banning headphones could affect people with disabilities.
“As someone who relies upon my noise-cancelling headphones to go out and be around people this decision by one of your stores screams inaccessibility,” they wrote.
“Also, noise cancelling only reduces background noise it isn't someone being rude!”
Greggs recently launched its first-ever Christmas advert, starring celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, which sees her enthusing over the high street chain’s festive food items.
Greggs has been approached by The Standard.
