Nightclub bans phones to 'help people focus on music'

Doppler Studio in Leicester has banned phones on its dance floor

A mobile phone ban on a nightclub dance floor could be a "powerful" way to help people reconnect, according to one musician.

The Doppler Studio in Leicester said it had brought in a phone-free policy in an effort to preserve the atmosphere of live music and dance on nights out.

Revellers seen using their phones on the dance floor at the nightclub in High Street are asked to put the device away, and if they are spotted more than once, are asked to leave the venue.

Ryan Ferris, 33, a Leicester-based musician who has played at the club, said the ban would remove the distraction of smartphones and could help people connect again.

Ryan Ferris said experiences could be more "magical" without the distraction of phones

Mr Ferris said: "If you look at videos [such as in]1985, this was a massive year for incredible live videos.

"Pretty much everyone in the crowd is watching the music, everyone is in the music together.

"There is something really magical about that and a lot of that is kind of lost these days. So I think a no-phone policy can be really powerful."

Nico Singh, owner of Doppler Studio, said the initiative had been in place for a while but had been more strongly enforced by the venue since it reopened this autumn.

Mr Singh, who has been promoting events in Leicester for 13 years said: "[I've] seen phones creep in over the years, and since Covid more people are attached to their phones.

"It's weird to have phones out now because no-one else does in the room."

Other venues across the UK have brought in mobile phone bans on the dance floor including the Warehouse Project in Manchester and the Lakota club in Bristol.

Nico Singh is the owner of Doppler Studio which opened in 2022

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association said: "We are increasingly seeing venues across the country explore phone-free policies on dance floors, from iconic spaces like The Warehouse Project and Amber in Manchester, as well as grassroots venues like Doppler in Leicester."

"It's part of a growing movement to protect the atmosphere and sense of connection that makes nightlife special."

Ben Calvert, 23, from Leicester, who has been visiting the venue since it opened, said he had attended "too many events" at other venues where there was a "sea of phones".

"When I see that, it is a bit sad. Doppler is really focused on making the moment as good as it can be. It makes it more genuine."

Another clubber, Jule Mckinnon, also 23 years old, thought there was a "tendency of taking photos and showing proof that you were there."

"It's encouraging people to live in the moment and focusing on the music," they said.