Secco Wine Bar is challenging patrons to do the unthinkable–go totally off the grid during their happy hour break.
Starting July 10 at 5 p.m., the local wine bar will offer its first happy hour special, “Uncorked and Unplugged,” but in exchange for discounted drinks, Secco will ask patrons to turn off all their electronic devices.
“I’m on my phone or laptop constantly. I blame it on running a small business, but I admit to feeling the twitch of addiction,” owner Julia Battaglini said in a news release. “I know our guests have that feeling as well.”
Battaglini decided to go forward with the idea after hearing of a friend’s difficulties when trying to regulate electronics use within his own family, as well as watching patrons ignore their dinner partners when at Secco.
“In the spirit of bringing back eye contact, full sentences, awkward silences, situational awareness, and sensory focus, we’re encouraging guests to power down and drink up,” she said.
To receive happy hour food and drink specials, patrons must drop their phones into a box on their table and ignore it. Each table will have its own box, so guests may reach for their phones if needed.
Secco will not monitor or enforce the rule, rather the happy hour challenge is meant as a voluntary exercise in self-restraint and an opportunity to invite more full, in-depth conversations without the distraction of the digital world.
Head to Secco Wine Bar at 325 N. Robinson Street for “Uncorked and Unplugged,” every Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.