It is a strong will to immediately send out customers who spend longer meals or cause hygiene problems while looking at smartphones.
According to Japan’s FNN (Fuji News Network), the ramen restaurant “Niboshi Ranbu” in Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture, recently posted a strong warning message in its store. The warning message said, “Do not use smartphones while eating. If you break the rules, please leave. There will be no refund.”
Yuichi Kawada made the decision because of unsanitary behaviors of some customers. “There were customers who put their smartphones on top of common seasoning containers used by many people and ate them while watching videos,” Kawada said. “I will not tolerate the behavior of using the seasoning container as a personal holder anymore.”
It also uses thin noodles that are easily poured. The owner’s insistence on “eat when it is in the best condition” was also reflected. However, looking at a smartphone or taking photos of ramen before the food is served is allowed. Only “looking at the phone while eating” is prohibited.
Legal experts agree that the restaurant’s move is justified. Lawyer Yutaka Saito explained, “There is no way to prevent people from watching the video at the restaurant, but the situation would be different if the owner announced the ‘ban’ in advance at the door.”
The moment the customer enters the store after seeing the notice, it is considered that there has been a contract between the owner and the customer to “not look at the phone while eating.” Therefore, it is the rightful right of the owner to ask customers who violate the rules to leave.
Regular customers seem to welcome the store’s decision. One regular said, “I will abide by the rules so that my favorite restaurant is not ruined by unsanitary customers.” Some say that it violates the individual’s freedom too much, but the prevailing public opinion in the U.S. is that the restaurant should follow the hygiene policy of public places and the owner’s management policy.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
