In this case I'm supportive: they're begging for the right to do what they should be free to do anyway on their property.
That's a very good point.
The FCC is in control of what a 'right' is when it comes to RF.
Block my BlackBerry when it is in vibrate mode and there will be discussions. It's 2006. I cannot be out of touch with the rest of the world for 2.5 hours.
The next step is selective blocking - only those who pay the property owner a fee have the right to use a cell phone on the premises. If you want to use a phone do it on your own property or public property, but wait local governments will start charging for the ability to make calls from public property. Allowing the blockage of the signals, may not be so clever after all.
I'm with you on this as well.
It is private property and the owners should be able to exercise this option.
Trouble is, the FCC has outlawed cell phone blocking devices in this country. You can order them from a British company that I'm sorry to say do not have a link for.
I've done some casual 'consulting' with several friends who happen to run restaurants and such and those devices would be a Godsend for the atmosphere that they are trying to create.
My 2 pennies worth.
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.