The irritating ringtones that break the calm will be silenced by law. Stop using cell phones during public performances or pay the penalty, New York City has ordered.Responding to a spate of complaints about mobile phone calls in cinema halls, theatres and other performances, the city council has banned their use except in sports arenas, making New York the first US city to make such an order. Among the major complainants were orchestra musicians in theatres who said the different ringtones distracted them. So, switch off your cell phones when the show starts, the city orders, or face a $50 (about Rs 1,400) fine for each violation. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had earlier banned smoking in most bars and restaurants, had vetoed ban on cell phones, arguing that it could not be implemented. But the city council overrode his veto and the ban went into effect.
