A Greggs outlet in Croydon, South London, has taken a stand by announcing it will not serve customers who fail to remove their headphones or AirPods while being served. The bakery chain’s branch has put up a notice stating: “When in queue, remove your headphone/AirPods and come off phones or we may have to refuse service.”

A staff member explained to 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.”

While a source from Greggs confirmed that this strict approach is not a company-wide policy, the brand itself did not officially comment on the matter.

Additionally, another employee expressed frustration online about how some customers behave, saying: “Can people please stop talking on the phone when placing an order! It’s rude to workers because we have to wait until you stop. I have got to the point where I will just ask what we are required to. I do not care if it interrupts your call, I am not going to wait for you to finish when there are people behind you. Stop doing it.”

While Greggs did not officially comment, an insider at the company stated yesterday that the headphone crackdown is not a company policy, reports Birmingham Live.

Customers were redirected to the next-closest bakery located in New Street Station. A notice displayed in the window of the New Street store, situated next to the Simply Local off-license near Victoria Square, apologised to customers and assured them that the closure is only temporary.