Luxury Hotel Byron frequented by the rich and famous becomes first in Italy to ban selfies

Customers must now sign a 'good taste' agreement that stipulates they leave selfie sticks at reception and turn off mobile phones in the restaurant

Customers must now sign a 'good taste' agreement that stipulates they leave selfie sticks at reception and turn off mobile phones in the restaurant

A luxury hotel in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany’s seaside playground for the rich and famous, has become the first in Italy to ban selfies.

Salvatore Madonna, the owner of the five-star Hotel Byron, which is frequented by the likes of Daniel Craig, Donatella Versace and Naomi Campbell, has placed notices in strategic spots and even has special wardens patrolling the bars and communal areas.

Mr Madonna took action this month after a few famous guests complained about the tendency of some clients to secretly snap them, even during dinner.

As a result, customers must now sign a “good taste” agreement with the hotel. This stipulates that clients leave selfie sticks at reception, turn off mobile phones in the restaurant and keep them on in “silent” in the communal spaces including the roof terrace.

“The ban is designed not just to protect the image of celebrities,” according to Mr Salvatore. “Above all the intention is to limit their excessive use and to encourage respect for other people.”

Mr Salvatore told The Independent that his staff would intervene with a polite request for a guest to stop taking selfies – even if the client in question were a celebrity.