A quiet cafe in Greater Manchester has taken a stand against one of modern Britain's most irritating habits - people playing videos and music loudly on their phones in public spaces.
The Final Straw That Broke The Cafe's Peace
Staff at the Albion Farm Shop and Cafe in Saddleworth, Oldham have implemented a strict 'silence or headphones' policy after enduring repeated incidents of customers disturbing others with loud devices. The decision came following a particularly unpleasant encounter with a mother who became abusive when staff politely asked if her child could use headphones while watching a tablet.
The family-run business shared the incident in a social media post that has since resonated with many Britons tired of unwanted public noise. "Throughout the weekend and particularly this morning and lunch time, we have had to continuously approach customers to ask them politely if they would be able to attach headphones to their device or turn their volume to a minimum," the cafe explained.
Confrontation Leads To New Policy
The situation escalated when staff approached one customer "extremely politely" about using headphones, only to be "immediately reprimanded." The post described how exhausted staff, worried about causing a scene both in the cafe and on social media, "chickened out and let it be," allowing the loud device to continue for another 30 minutes.
As the customer left, staff overheard snide remarks and were subjected to personal insults about their appearance, with gestures made through the window. "All we can think is that someone really wanted a show down that they didn't get," the cafe owners wrote.
Public Backing And Wider Problem
The cafe's experience struck a chord with many who responded to their post with similar stories of noise nuisance in cafes and on public transport. One commenter noted: "Public transport is notorious for this, usually by people more than old enough to know better."
Another added: "I get sick of people having conversations with others, watching videos etc, always with the volume turned up as high as possible."
While some acknowledged that tablets can be necessary for children, particularly those with additional needs, most agreed that loud volumes are unacceptable. One autistic mother commented: "Either you find a work around or leave. It's very important to teach your child to be respectful of other people, special needs or not."
Laura Hirst, who works at the family-run business on Oldham Road in Delph, confirmed they've now put up signs requesting customers to "silence your phone or use headphones to treat others with respect and aid a sociable atmosphere." Unfortunately, she noted that the signs "haven't made much of a difference unfortunately," suggesting Britain's battle against public noise pollution continues.
The cafe's new policy states clearly: "If a member of staff asks you to turn off your volume or to please use headphones, this is for the wellbeing of all our other customers so please treat them with respect or speak to them politely."
