The argument seems to be that the phone ringing is disturbing to others so that Government needs to intervene. Little kids needing to take a potty break in the middle of an important scene is annoying too -- but I'd hardly recommend that we request Government regulation on seat allocation in theaters (giving due consideration to those with the weaker bladders.)
Those with cell phones can turn them off or set to vibrate. Having the Government attempting to regulate social behavior is never a good idea. It only ends up with another excuse to bloat the Government, and increase taxes with no tangible result.
The argument seems to be that the phone ringing is disturbing to others so that Government needs to intervene.Well, then you just don't understand the argument, MrsEmmaPeel, you just don't understand it at all.
Here's the deal, MrsPeel:
If theaters built expensive metal mesh in their walls, blocking all incoming signals, that would be legal. But if they use a much cheaper method of blocking the signals, that's illegal. What the theaters are saying to the government is: butt out. Let us block the signal the way we want.
Now, repeat after me: Asking the government to butt out is not the same thing as asking the government to intervene.
Again, this time with feeling, and a bit of understanding: Asking the government to butt out is not the same as asking the government to intervene.
Got it, MrsEmmaPeel? Is it clearer now?