While I totally applaud his decision (I'd go further than just barring them), I fear that the public (apart from me) won't be on his side.
While admitting to using my phone as a device to record and rate beers and general ambience, I do find over enthusiastic use offputting.However,there are times and places where an unobtrusive phone is acceptable.
"At that moment I would have given a kingdom, not for champagne or hock and soda, or hot coffee but for a glass of beer" Marquess Curzon of Kedlestone, Viceroy of India.