The sign posted on the door at Botticelli Ristorante in Rapid City is small and unassuming, but its message is clear.

"For the courtesy of those around you, please refrain from using cell phones. Thank you in advance."

As cell phone use becomes more pervasive, some local restaurants are trying to preserve a respectful atmosphere at their businesses by implementing cell phone policies.

Owner Michelle Peregrine says Botticelli started their "no cell phone" policy at least eight years ago in response to overuse by customers.

"We also have a policy that if you are talking on your phone, we won't seat you," Peregrine said.

The Pirates Table restaurant has a similar policy posted on their menu asking patrons to be courteous to others by "remembering to turn off cell phones and refraining from cell phone use in the dining room."

Pirates Table owner Ron Beshara admitted that the policy is difficult to enforce but said a quieter atmosphere makes for a better experience for everyone.

"It's a nightly occurrence that you get three or four cell phone calls in the dining room," Beshara said Tuesday. "I think it detracts from the ambiance."

For privately owned restaurants like Pirates Table and Botticelli, implementing a cell phone policy is a matter of personal preference, but for family chain restaurants, banning cell phones is a bigger undertaking.

"Sometimes I wish there was a cell phone policy," said Melissa Schubert, service manager at Ruby Tuesday. "I would love it if people would step into the lobby or go outside to answer their phones."

Schubert said customers who are talking on their phones often make the servers' jobs more difficult.

"Our servers are not really sure what they should do when they go to greet the table and people are on their cell phones," Schubert said. "At what point do they become intrusive?"

Schubert said the staff will not ask patrons to hang up their phones unless the content of the conversation is deemed inappropriate. "If they are being loud and vulgar or using inappropriate language, then I, as a manager, will step in, but I would do that even if they weren't on the phone."

Beshara said Pirates Table staff also takes a nonconfrontational approach to the issue.

"We do what we can as passively as we can. It's not our policy to go around making verbal requests," he said.

Despite the inconvenience, Peregrine says customer response to Botticelli's policy has been very positive.

"I think our customers have definitely been more appreciative," she said. "If there is someone talking on the phone, the tables around them will glare at them like 'What are you doing?' So we don't really even need to enforce it."

Jim and Ellen Kunz of Rapid City, who were having lunch at Botticelli about 1 p.m. Tuesday, said they have no problem with the cell-phone policy.

"I think it's an excellent idea," Ellen Kunz said. She said the noise-free atmosphere is less distracting and makes for a more enjoyable experience.

The owners of both restaurants said they understand the convenience of cell phones but are looking for their customers to meet them halfway.

"We do what we can, but people need to assume that responsibility and be courteous and respectful," Beshara said.