While I am fine with bans on phones for performances, I too would absolutely bristle and feel strongly inclined to complain if that was not made clear at the time I bought a ticket.
If they actually kicked people out, not just say "please put your phone away" people would learn it's not okay. The only reason people do it is because they don't think they'll get in trouble.
Not only is it a numbers game (too many people to police), it is also very annoying for other patrons when people are constantly told to stop.
So banning the phones is a great solution that solves a number of problems.
> Think they're going to know how to call the cops/handle an emergergcy? lol.
Of course they do.
I really don’t think you rationale for refusing to hand over your phone holds up.