Adelaide cafe Grounded Lonsdale to close early to avoid AusAlert test

An Adelaide cafe is closing early to avoid hearing what it describes as a “harmful frequency” from Monday’s national AusAlert test.

Grounded Lonsdale initially sent out a post to customers on social media on Sunday, banning phones from the premises during the first national AusAlert test on Monday afternoon.

“If you’re visiting us tomorrow between 1-2pm you’ll need to turn off your phone,” they posted online.

“We are not interested in having the AusAlert in our space. We hope you can respect this request.

“And yes, we will be checking.”

The AusAlert message system is being tested across parts of Australia on Monday and will allow authorities to send emergency messages to compatible mobile phones in a specified area during times of disaster.

Cell-broadcast technology is considered international best practice and is used by more than 30 countries for emergency warning communications.

The message system being tested will be able to tell people what the emergency is, where it is happening, how serious it is and what they should do.

Grounded said the reason for their request was to avoid “harmful” frequencies, warning customers that “yes, we will be checking”.

“You may not agree with the alert being a harmful frequency and that’s completely fine, we respect your choices and opinions,” they said.

“You will simply need to have (your phone) somewhere else tomorrow between 1-2pm.”

But only hours later, the cafe revealed a “change of plans” due to community backlash, instead informing the public they will be closing early.

“We think it is absolutely possible to disagree with someone and respect them at the same time,” they said.

“It seems not wanting to be around the AusAlert is a rather controversial topic, who knew? We don’t watch the news so clearly not us.

“Upon further deliberation we’ve decided simply to close a little early and head to the forest for some family time.

“We will be back on Tuesday morning, business as usual, making the coffee you know you love.”

A spokesperson for AusAlert said the alert operates on the same safe and regulated cellular network frequencies used for normal phone calls and mobile internet.

“AusAlert uses the same 4G and 5G coverage as existing mobile services,” it said.

“Where there is an active cell tower, compatible devices can receive an alert – including in regional and remote areas.”

The AusAlert system was created following a royal commission which found gaps in state-based alerts.

The cafe’s response to the alert brought backlash from social media users, who were confused and frustrated by the announcement.

“This response is mind blowing for a 10-30 second disruption,” one person wrote.

“Doesn’t an EFTPOS machine also emit frequencies to a degree? If there’s something major happening in Australia and I want to keep my family safe then I reckon a 10 second alarm is worth it,” said another.

Others sided with the cafe and their choices.

“You do you,” one said. “Only we can answer to ourselves. Family first.”

The national test will be activated on Monday and will be sent out to all compatible devices across Australia.

Grounded Lonsdale was approached for comment.