A friend phoned me up the other night as he stopped by the local Post Office to check his mail. Then abruptly he said, “I’ll have to call you back.” There was some noise in the background, which made me wonder if someone was in the process of “going postal” – but he called back shortly to explain.
It seems there is a law that you’re not allowed to talk on a cell phone inside the U.S. Post Office. Now, I’m not talking about standing in line and yacking on the phone as you approach the counter. We’ve all learned (I hope) that it’s rude to hold up a service person while you’re carrying on a conversation.
In fact, most service organizations now have signs up asking you to turn off your phone or they will not serve you. Thankfully, some people convey this message with a bit of humor as you can see above. You can get the Uncle Sam sign or you can go to this Phones Off website if you want one for your business or organization.
But I’m in a quandry here. I don’t understand what’s the big deal about talking on a cell phone when it’s after hours and you’re in a half empty post office checking the mail in your post office box? Does it have something to do with potentially setting off a bomb? Are they afraid you’re going to see something related to government security and relay it to an outside terrorist organization via your cell phone?
Anyone have any insights into the reasons behind this rule? If so, please let us know
In this particular post office, it seems the rule was not being enforced and they got “written up”, so now of course it’s a BIG DEAL and people are being accosted right and left.
Anyway, if you have the scoop on this, please write in and share it with us!
Best regards until next time!
Laura B., writing from Colorado
