New locking mechanism creates phone-free environment at shows

Steve Campion Image
BySteve Campion KTRK logo
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Dave Chappelle fans watch performance without their phones
Dave Chappelle fans watch performance without their phones.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When comic legend Dave Chappelle rolls into town Wednesday, fans better brace for life without their cell phone.

Chappelle has a strict no-phone policy inside his shows. The policy is not deterring the faithful with all three Houston shows sold out.

The company Yondr came up with the idea.

Attendees must place their cell phone into a locked bag. Only when you leave the performance space, can you unlock the bag in the lobby.

Eyewitness News caught up with Chappelle fans. They told us they were warned about the policy when they purchased tickets.

Others were split on how they felt about the policy.

"It is what it is," said Damian Smith. "You have to make sacrifices to see Dave Chappelle."

Yondr says comedian Chris Rock has the same policy. He is scheduled to perform in May at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land.

Company representatives told ABC13 they will be at the event to enforce the phone-free zone.

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