If you've been meaning to curb your screen time but keep falling victim to idle scrolling, it might be time for some more drastic measures — such as forfeiting your phone to a locked box behind a bar.
For those ready to take that plunge, a Milwaukee brewery has been hosting monthly phone-free Fridays all summer, including one coming up this week.
So far, No-Phone Fridays at Broken Bat Brewing Company have seen between 30% and 40% participation from patrons, according to Visit Milwaukee . For people who opt to give up their phones, the brewery is offering free drinks and access to bar games, among other deals. Donations to Mental Health Wisconsin are also encouraged as part of the event.
“It’s a simple exchange but a meaningful gesture,” said Broken Bat founder Tim Pauly in a statement. “Whether it’s 20 minutes or the entire stay, we want to reward guests’ commitment with easy, fun ways to engage with one another."
Here's everything you need to know about No-Phone Fridays, from the logistics of the phone lock box to opportunities to win a free sausage grill.
Where are No-Phone Fridays?
The events are hosted by Broken Bat Brewing Company, at 135 E. Pittsburgh Ave.
When are No-Phone Fridays?
This week, No-Phone Friday will from noon to 10 p.m. on Aug. 30 at Broken Bat.
The brewery also hosted the all-day, phone-free event in June and July. If you miss it this week, Broken Bat has a final Phone-Free Friday scheduled for the same hours on Sept. 27.
It has not yet announced whether it will continue the monthly event beyond the summer.
How can you participate in No-Phone Fridays?
No tickets or reservations are required to participate in No-Phone Fridays — simply show up ready to surrender your phone.
Participants must turn in their phones to a clear lock box, located fully visibly behind the bar. In exchange, you'll get a number card for your phone, a token for a free second drink after you start a tab, and free access to darts, pool, cards and other games.
When you're ready to plug back in, hand over your number card to get your phone back. You can go phone-free for as long or as little as you would like.
If you think someone may need to reach you during phone-free hours, you can share with them the taproom's landline ahead of time, according to the event Facebook page . The number is (414) 316-9197.
Brats, prizes and giveaways at No-Phone Fridays
This month, Broken Bat is teaming up with Johnsonville, the Wisconsin-based sausage company, to host No-Phone Friday. Johnsonville brats will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. this Friday at the brewery.
The company will also be giving away prizes during the event, ranging from gift baskets and product vouchers to a sausage grill.
“We’re big fans of people hanging out in real life,” said Jamie Schmelzer, Johnsonville senior director of marketing, in a statement. “We applaud everyone involved in these events for being so intentional about making time for fun and prioritizing togetherness."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: This Milwaukee brewery is offering free drinks if you lock your phone away
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