Barber bans mobile phones after close calls

A barber has banned customers from using cellphones because of annoying ringtones, booming voices and the possibility of an accident.

The Stylish Man, an Auckland chain with branches in Mt Eden, Newmarket and Parnell, bans customers from chatting while they have their hair cut.

"When people are running around trying to answer their phones it could be quite easy for them to get their ears cut," said co-owner Peter Bradley. "It's never happened but we've had a couple of close calls."

Bradley said the ban was also to make the hairdressing experience comfortable for customers, and the job easier for the barbers.

East Day Spa, under Auckland's SkyCity Grand Hotel, also requests good manners. Director Ina Bajaj said cellphones were allowed in the reception and pedicure areas, but had to be turned off during spa treatments.

"People don't realise their voices rise. It's about being considerate to other people who come in to escape to an urban haven."

A business in Sydney has installed prominent "no cellphone" signs. Management at Sinclairs newsagency and pharmacy said distracted customers were likely to pick up the wrong medication or ignore health advice.

'I don't think there's any phone conversation that can't wait a minute," owner Jim Visvis told the Sunday Telegraph.

Jared Brixton, managing director of customer service experts KiwiHost, said cellphone bans were likely to work better in quiet places such as bookstores.