One man’s propriety is another’s pomp

I am thrilled to learn that rules are being applied in bars [“Got Manners?,” Nov. 28]. Seven years ago I printed two rules at the bottom of the menu in my Pasadena restaurant, Three Elephants: Gentlemen will not be served if they choose not to remove their hats; no cellphone use in the restaurant. Most people accepted the rules, and some people applauded them, but some people expressed disbelief and left. I guess I was ahead of my time.

Richard Harris

Los Angeles

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MAYBE the motive behind the pseudo-pomp is it lets management play out a fantasy from an old “Esquire’s Handbook for Hosts.” It feels like children slavishly making you play house. I respect the idea of “serious” drinking, but most drink to forget, and after a couple of Negronis, the rules are usually the first to go.

Eddie Sotto

Los Angeles