Can't we regulate the noise in restaurants?

Question

It's becoming more and more difficult to enjoy a meal in a restaurant these days. People talk much too loud. Why can't the public shut up and act like they have some sense when they go out to eat? If you can't hear the person sitting across from you, there's a problem.

Answer 1

i know, this is why i am avoiding restaurants these days, isn't it awful? some people are brought up like maniacs, with no manners whatsoever--try to avoid these types., if you go into one place like this--stay a minute or two-if its too loud walk out, i have. people used to have normal inside voices, calm and reserved, but our society has gone to the dogs-now if you go to China there are a zillion people but they aren't so loud an obnoxious, they consider it rude and it is rude!

Answer 2

1. How would you regulate it? That is something that would be virtually impossible to enforce.

2. Perhaps you are eating at the wrong restaurants. Different restaurants are designed to have different atmospheres. If you don't like noise, go find yourself a different restaurant that caters to a quieter crowd. If you don't like to get wet, stay out of the rain. Otherwise the problem is just you.

3. The way the problem happens is really simple. You have two people talking at a normal voice. Then you add 30 more people. Even talking at a normal voice, this is going to add to the total noise of a room. So you speak a little louder. Then the next person has to. Then it gets worse and worse. The problem is that this is natural. There is little to nothing you can do about it. There is really no way to stop it from happening, especially in a restaurant with small space or in a room that carries sound too well. I think you're over reacting.

Now, restaurants that play music REALLY LOUD... I'm totally with you there. THAT is something a place can reasonably control. Drives me nuts.... so I just don't eat at those places. Their loss. Simple problem. Simple solution.

Answer 3

A quiet Cafe or Bistro -surely he must be kidding! They are the WORST offenders! -for a couple of reasons, and something that contributes highly to sound in any restaurant -
the usual "chic" NOT tile floors, and the oh so annoying habit of shoving as many bodies as close to each other as possible!! I just will no longer dine in those places any more. A quick salad TO GO is all they are worth.
A large part of the noise is coming from the interior design.
Watch when you walk in. A covered table, fabric covered booths, paintings on the wall instead of glass or anything that noise would just bounce off of - those things help. AND the floor - NO TILE, must be nice thick carpet!!! This style will also put on an air of formality which "hopefully" calm people down!!! Well, I can dream can't I? Any other type of restaurant
enter/dine at your own risk!
IT CAN BE WORSE!!!
I have been on a lunch date where the person talking loud AND then talking loud on a cell phone, was sitting across from me!!!

Answer 4

It's up to the restaurant management to regulate conduct in their establishment, but if you feel that people arent respecting other patrons who come there to enjoy a meal and not deal with the bullshit then write a formal complaint and mail it to the manager of the restaurant and let them know that you will not be a patron to their establishment anymore if you can't come there to enjoy a meal without the excessive noise meaning people on cell phones need to be seated elsewhere and those who want to have conversations should be seated so that those who are wanting limited conversation can enjoy their meal in peace.

Answer 5

Yeah, I agree. I wait tables at a casual themed restaurant and there are always a few tables that are WAY too loud. we're really not allowed to ask them to be quiet unless they're being rude or inappropriate as in using bad language. But I wish we could. It just ruins it for everyone. I recommend bringing it to the managers attention. Maybe they'll grow a pair and do something about it. I feel your pain.

Answer 6

The 'Service Industry' is driven by the Cust. If the ambiance of the Eatery is 'LOUD' than that is that.
Enjoy it for what it is. The Wrong thing to do is to expect anyone to pipe it down, just for you. Pick your next meal-out in a quiet Cafe or Bistro. There are many great ones.....
or stay home!

Answer 7

Wow your question jumped out at me.

I agree the noise level is horrible. First you have to contend with the music and then people screaming at the top of their lungs, yuk yuking. I want everyone to have a nice time but let's just use conversation tone so we can hear each other. I totally agree with you

Answer 8

I don't think there's a way to regulate it, but I'd complain to the manager and tell him you will never eat there again. I'd be willing to bet he will give you your meal free. He doesn't want to lose a customer. He just might be able to post a sign saying please keep your conversations quiet so as not to disturbe other patrons. This is only common courtesy. Most people would be willing to comply.

Answer 9

I would just be happy if the windows were covered in that cell-phone blocking screening!

I was in a restaurant the other day - and a man was talking and laughing on his celly so loud (4 tables away) that it was as if he were sitting next to me.

I started to stand - another woman saw me, mouthed, "No, I got him." And went over and LOUDLY asked him to stop.
The rest of us applauded quietly.

Sigh... common respect for others around you... it's just gone like the wind...

(NOW, if I could just get her to come to my house and get the teenagers next door to stop honking at 7AM!!)

Let there be peace... --De

Answer 10

I guess if the restaurants will make too many regulations people may stop coming ..

I agree with you , but I don't see it possible to change.