This Galway pub is offering free drinks if people can put away their phones

Most of us are guilty of this at one time or another but one bar in Loughrea in Galway is cracking down on the bad habit of using your phone instead of actually engaging in real-life social interactions when out with friends.

After observing a group of girls sitting at the bar, Gary Kilcar, a barman at Whiskey's, noticed that three of them were on their phones for extended periods of time, ignoring the fourth member of their group.

And he had an idea - offer people a complimentary drink if, as a group, they put their phones away for 30 minutes at a time.

Gary writes on Facebook:

"So I have decided that I'm talking action against this epidemic of over usage... I totally understand a couple of group selfies,a few quick snapchats every 30mins,a status check in when changing bars- if I see a group of friends sitting together I will offer them to put all of their phones locked away in a money box for 30mins(nobody from the group can have access to your phone until the 30mins have surpassed) anytime between 8pm till closing time this Saturday night.

"If successful I will reward the group with a complimentary drink and who knows you and your friends might even have a good laugh chatting without any distraction".

Post by Whiskey's Loughrea.

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It's a promising idea and, even though it's only for half an hour, we bet some people will find it challenging.

So what do you think? Could you take on the challenge?

[H/T: Joe.ie]