Cell phones on the discount menu

One Los Angeles restaurant doesn't want cell phone chatter when its customers are eating.

Rather than being punitive about it, however, the Eva Restaurant on Beverly Boulevard has decided to offer an incentive.

The restaurant offers diners 5 percent off their bill if they are willing to leave their cell phones at the door. About half the diners have agreed to the deal, according to a news report.

One of the top complaints I have heard about cell phones is that people like to eat in peace or have conversations with their meal companions without having to listen to someone near them yak on their cell phone, often in a loud voice.

(The top complaint I hear, by the way, is people using their cell phones while driving.)

It makes sense for restaurant owners to try to ensure their patrons enjoy the experience, and using a carrot instead of a stick makes even more sense.

I wonder if other restaurants will adopt this practice?