A Greggs branch has taken a stand against customers who act in a certain way while ordering, warning that they may be refused service. A notice in the store reads: “When in queue, remove your headphone/AirPods and come off phones or we may have to refuse service.”

At the chain in Croydon, South London, a staff member explained that the measure was necessary due to an increasing number of customers being distracted and unable to hear staff, causing delays during busy periods.

The staff member told The Sun: “We get more and more customers coming in who seem to be lost in another world. We try to be helpful and get everyone served quickly during busy times but it’s impossible if customers can’t hear a word you’re saying. The sign is pretty blunt but we have no option.”

However, a Greggs spokesperson clarified that this was not a company-wide policy. Meanwhile, another staff member shared their frustration on social media about customers who continued to talk on their phones while ordering, stating that it was rude to workers and caused delays.

They warned that they would no longer wait for customers to finish their calls before taking their order. Greggs declined to comment, reports Birmingham Live.