We’ve all been to the cinema and been irritated by someone close by busy on their phone. Bright phone screens create an annoying distraction in the pitch black, taking you away from the immersion of the film you’re seeing.

After all, that’s why we go to the cinema, isn’t it? You might be able to watch the film shortly after on your TV, but there’s nothing like the sense of escapism from everyday life, combined with those comfy chairs, surround sound, you get to purely focus on one thing – the film.

Post pandemic, there’s been a fall in cinema-goers, not helped by the convenience and variety of streaming services – industry data shows a 30% decline in attendance since 2019.

So why aren’t cinemas doing something about it?

The average cinema ticket costs just under £8, and popcorn can easily cost £5 or more. Add a drink, snacks, and the fuel to get you there, and suddenly watching a film at the cinema can become an expensive night out for two. Compare that to a month of Netflix at £5.99, or £9.99 for Now TV’s cinema package, you’d think cinemas would work harder to protect their USP – the immersive experience.

However, over the years, it’s the same messages on screen, asking people to turn their phones off. The cinema makes sense as the one place in this digital age where you wouldn’t look at your phone – you turn it off. Sadly, though, some just can’t help themselves.

Instead, it’s other entertainment arenas making the moves. Theatres, comedy clubs and music venues are banning phones, requesting attendees to place their phones into a lockable pouch that can only be unlocked in designated areas, or at the end of the show.

In contrast, the likes of Odeon and even Everyman cinema simply have policies in place, hoping patrons will heed.

The rise of lockable phone pouches

Using your phone at the cinema is disrespectful to fellow moviegoers, but also spoils the experience for you.

In recent years, society has started to recognise the importance of balancing screentime and being in the moment. Rather than stare at somebody’s phone aloft in the air, they want to see the artist and feel the atmosphere.

Recently, Cercle Odyssey have used our lockable phone pouches at their groundbreaking, immersive concerts in Mexico and Paris. The response has been overwhelming from those who attended, with comments including,

“Cercle created something truly amazing, which will definitely go down in the history books of live entertainment”

And,

“The full set with the visuals and the no phone vibe was another level.”

How do the phone pouches work?

Upon arrival, attendees place their phones into the Phone Locker pouches. They then secure the pouch by pushing a pin to lock it shut. If they need to get to their phones, venues can set up designated Phone Use Areas, where stations featuring a special magnet will unlock the pouches.

Flexibility can be given to venues. Magnet unlocking stations can simply be situated at exits, or handheld unlock paddles can be used by staff. The pouches can also be rented rather than purchased outright.

You can find out more how lockable phone pouches work, or reach out to us directly to discuss your next phone-free event.