NEWS Shopper’s exclusive story about the shopper at Sainsbury’s who was refused service while on her phone has sparked significant debate and proven a hit.

Twenty-six-year-old Jo Clarke was doing her midweek shop at the supermarket in Crayford when the cashier refused to serve her until she hung up her call.

Miss Clarke, of Alfriston Close, told News Shopper: “I was dumbfounded at the time so just hung up.

"I don’t know what she was playing at.

"I couldn’t believe how rude she was.”

Thousands of you have read the story on newsshopper.co.uk, sharing it hundreds of times across Facebook and Twitter.

Following the debate sparked by the story we originally broke yesterday, we want to know what you think about when it’s inappropriate for people to use their mobile phones.

Do you think mobile phones should be banned in supermarkets and shops?

What about in hospital waiting rooms and when you’re at the doctors?

And another pet hate of many, how about when you’re on the train?

One News Shopper reader says when he used to work on a supermarket checkout he created his own ‘banana tax’ for anyone who was on the phone as he served them.

He said: “I used to work for a supermarket.

“Every customer that came to my till whilst on the phone got a banana added to their bill.

“But they were always too busy being rude to notice - I called it the rudeness tax.

“Manners are cheaper than bananas.”

Reporter EMILY WAKEFIELD took to the streets of Bromley this morning where she asked shoppers what their opinions were.

News Shopper: Amanda Little, Jacqueline Norman, Jodie Driscoll, Kelly Green and Sue Baker.

Amanda Little, 50, of Croydon, said: “If you’re having a face to face conversation with somebody you should at least give them the courtesy of giving them your attention. It wouldn’t be wrong to make it their policy."

Jacqueline Norma, 69, of Oaklands Road, Bromley, said: “She should not have been on her phone when she was in the queue. You expect courtesy from the person serving you so they in turn, should expect courtesy from you, so you should turn off your phone or say you’ll call them back.”

Jodie Driscoll, 17, of Recreation Road, Bromley, said: “It’s your choice if you want to be on the phone or not, it’s not bad. If you’re buying their stuff they shouldn’t complain."

Kelly Green, 36, of Tweedy Road, Bromley said:  “I’ve been on a phone when I’ve been at a till. I can’t just hang up one someone. It’s rude not to serve her, it is bad customer service.”

Sue Baker, 66, of Heath Rise, Hayes, said: “It was rude. It’s courteous not to speak on the phone when you’re being served by someone. We should stand up for good manners.”

Have your say below.