...do people often go to restaurants to mingle...?

If I'm going to a restaurant with people, my phone's gonna be in my pocket because people. If I'm going to a restaurant alone, I'm definitely bringing my phone, because I doubt the people at the next table want to talk to me. That's what bars are for.

The headline is nonsense. I don't give a damn if the guy at the next table is on his phone while I'm enjoying my meal, but I sure as hell do care if he's smoking..

What is with that "article" format?? They're sometimes interviewing different people, and sometimes just asking themselves questions, which they then inelegantly answer.

How do I feel about it? I absolutely hate it.

Waiting for the 5G and non-5G sections.

Its okay, I cant afford to go to restaurants unless I am working in one of them.

I interact with my boss and coworkers every day at work. Once a month me and my landlord get in touch about me paying rent. I personally think that is far more human interaction then I need.

wish gyms and cinemas would also ban them

To answer the first question posed. Would I hand a form of id and communication at the door of the bar for them to keep? No.

Are you crazy? Don't touch that. Like listen I don't go crazy like other people do, digital wallets, important 2fa, etc and of course it's encrypted at rest and locked but still no, don't touch that.