Nightclub stickers over smartphone rule divides the dancefloor

Amber's, a new nightclub in Manchester, is making headlines with its unique policy regarding smartphones. The club has decided that all guests must cover their smartphone cameras with stickers upon entry. This decision aims to enhance the overall experience by allowing clubbers to focus on the music and the atmosphere rather than being distracted by their phones. Jeremy Abbott, the director of Amber's, explained, 'We really want the music and the experience to be front and centre. ' However, this policy has sparked a lively debate on social media. Some individuals express concern that restricting phone use could negatively impact the club's visibility and marketing, as social media posts often serve as free advertising. On the other hand, many clubbers appreciate the idea of 'partying with privacy,' as it allows them to enjoy the moment without the fear of embarrassing photos being shared online. One young woman shared her thoughts, saying, 'It is the fear of being put on the internet isn’t it? ' She highlighted the anxiety of waking up to find unflattering pictures from a night out on social media. Another clubber added, 'It does make the vibe better, because the less people are on their phone, engaging more with the DJ and stuff, that’s the better environment to have. ' nnThe question arises: are nightclubs in Britain at a turning point? Is it time to shift the focus away from smartphones and back to the music? Sacha Lord, an advisor for the night-time economy in Greater Manchester, believes that this is indeed the case. He stated, 'These phones are killing the dancefloor, they’re killing the atmosphere. ' DJs, he argues, feel demoralized when they look out at a crowd of people holding their phones instead of dancing. Smokin Jo, a DJ with decades of experience, reminisced about the vibrant club scene of the late 80s and early 90s, where everyone danced joyfully. She lamented, 'Now there are these videos being posted of people standing still with their phone in the air. It's so sad. ' However, Dr. Lee Hadlington, a senior lecturer in cyberpsychology, pointed out that for many clubbers, capturing memories through photos is an essential part of their enjoyment. nnAt Amber's, the policy is not a complete ban on smartphones. Instead, clubbers will be required to place a sticker over their camera lens to prevent photos from being taken. A dedicated content team will be present to capture and share moments from the night on social media. Abbott mentioned that if someone is caught violating the rule, they will be politely asked to stop. If they continue, they may be asked to leave the venue. This policy comes at a challenging time for the nightclub industry in the UK, which has faced significant setbacks due to the Covid pandemic. According to the Night Time Industries Association, the number of clubs has decreased from 1,266 to 786 between June 2020 and June 2023. Abbott acknowledges that the no-phone rule is a risk but is encouraged by the positive response from patrons. Lord believes that this policy could rejuvenate the industry and restore the energy to the dancefloor. Graeme Park, a well-known DJ from Manchester's iconic Hacienda nightclub, expressed his support for the no-smartphone policy, stating, 'I totally, totally understand and think that no smartphones on the dancefloor is a great idea. ' However, he also raised concerns about how younger generations might feel about this restriction. His son, Ben Park, who is also a DJ, shared his perspective, saying, 'Personally, I’ve got nothing against phones being in clubs. I understand the whole no phone policy but at the same time people want to post pictures of them or their friends on social media. ' He acknowledged that some clubbers and DJs are frustrated with those who attend events primarily to showcase their presence on platforms like TikTok. Dr. Hadlington noted that for some clubbers, the fear of missing out on social media can lead to them spending more time posting about their experiences than actually enjoying the event. nnWhile the no-phone policy may be a new concept in the UK, it is already common in cities like Berlin, where approximately 90% of venues have similar rules. Lutz Leichsenring, a former spokesperson for Clubcommission Berlin, explained that many tourists appreciate this policy as part of the clubbing experience. He personally finds it strange when people around him are constantly taking pictures and filming. Amber's is following in the footsteps of London nightclub fabric, which has had a no-phone policy since reopening in 2021. Cameron Leslie, co-founder of fabric, explained that they invite guests to cover their camera lenses with stickers and encourage them not to use their phones. He noted that most clubbers comply with the rule, and enforcement is not aggressive. Smokin Jo believes that DJs can also play a role in addressing this issue. She suggested that DJs should include a clause in their contracts to ensure that clubs have a policy in place to preserve the identity and roots of the scene. Graeme Park acknowledged that there is no simple solution to the smartphone dilemma in nightclubs but emphasized the importance of the ongoing conversation. He stated, 'It’s the cultural zeitgeist changing, and that’s the great thing about clubbing; the attitudes change every decade or every few years.