The argument that phones are banned from venues because they are disruptive is disingenuous, because far more disruptive things are not banned; or rather, the bans are not enforced. For example, I find it infinitely more disruptive to have people vaping at shows, and yet I have never seen people have to give up their vapes when attending a stand-up show, or ever be made to leave for vaping, for that matter.

As for anger about comedians being offensive, not at all. On the contrary, I think stand-up comedians have a duty to be offensive and push boundaries. I just think it's pathetic and cowardly to try to prevent people from recording those incidents.

Cell phones are distracting, I go to shows whether they're banned or not, but I dislike them personally - I do not think it's disingenuous. Maybe I'm just old, but I expect smoke (or vape) at a show, it doesn't detract for me. Some venues do in fact enforce no smoking or vaping (security will give you the flashlight warning at one, show you the door at two). And that's nice too, but the smokers and vapers are at least usually watching and enjoying the show - phone people don't strike me as particularly engaged. As a performer, that'd bug me.

I think it's more a mixture of a belief that people are absent when their phones are out, that it's rude to the other audience members, and makes new sets less awesome for audiences down the line.

I don’t think the phone ban has anything to do with comedians being afraid their edgy material will be heard. I think it has a lot more to do with the fact that live shows and streaming deals are the only way they make money and they don’t want leaked recordings affecting demand.

FWIW I went to a Hannah Gadsby show a few years back and that event also had the phone pouch thing. Was she also being pathetic and cowardly?