The Melbourne cafe operator who won’t serve you when you’re on the phone

Cafe operators of Melbourne are sick of being ignored, and they’re fighting back.

Craig Pearce, co-owner of Cafe 655 in West Melbourne, is among a growing list of baristas banning mobile phones at the counter.

‘I’d say about 5 per cent (of customers order coffee while on the phone) on a busy day, but it’s on an increase,’ he told Ross and John.

Mr Pearce said it wasn’t only rude, but also held up other customers because the barista couldn’t understand the order.

‘They make hand signals … and you feel like asking ‘Is it a latte, cappuccino, or would you like me to pour it in your hand?’.’

Ross and John applauded the move; click play to hear their chat with Craig.