Samuel Smith's pubs ban phones to protect 'social conversation'

Samuel Smiths pubs have banned people from using phones, in an attempt to foster "social conversations". Various pubs across the country have been sent a memo making clear that people should not be allowed to use their phones or chat in the bar, and that if they wish to they should be directed outside in the same way as if they were smoking. It follows a similar rule that saw swearing banned in the pubs. The strange rules are said to be enforced by the company's 73-year-old owner, who is rumoured to enter the pubs undercover to check that they are being kept to. We'll tell you what's true.