Somerset pub launches no-phone rule for today's emergency test alert
Bosses at The Camelot Pub near Yeovil say the rule - asking customers to keep phones off before and after the emergency alert - is to make sure everyone can enjoy their food in peace
Last updated 23rd Apr 2023
If you like your Sunday lunches distraction-free - well one pub in Somerset's got you covered as they're banning mobile phones this afternoon - or face the consequences!
The Camelot Pub near Yeovil is asking customers to at least keep them off for when the emergency test alert goes off at 3 o'clock.
They say it's to make sure everyone can enjoy their food in peace.
Those who find their phones going off at the time of the alert will be asked to pay a 'substantial' donation to their chosen charity of the month - The Alzheimer’s Society.
The test emergency alert - which is going off at 3pm today (23 April) for 10 seconds will be used in the future for events of public concern, such as the devastating floods here in Somerset earlier this year.
However, charities across the South West - and the country - have been raising their concerns about the emergency test alert, which will see millions of phones and cellular-connected tablets going off this afternoon.
Domestic violence campaigners are warning the test could put people in danger by revealing the location of secret phones hidden away by those at risk.
You can disable the alarm, and south west charity FearLess have been sharing instructions on how to do it.
The system of emergency alerts is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan.
Read more:Date and time confirmed for emergency phone alert test
Read more:Warning of floods in Somerset prompting major incident