Our Content Advisor Dave Cooper recently contacted the ultimate guide to etiquette, Debrett’s with an important question.

In your publication “Debrett’s A-Z of Modern Manners” you make reference to lifts as follows:

LIFTS

It is important to remember that in lifts (like all enclosed public spaces) there is an invisible boundary around people. Generally, lifts command silence or hushed tones; don’t shout or disturb your fellow travellers. Allow people out of the lift before you try to get in, and don’t cram yourself in to crowded lifts. If you are next to the control panel, you should take the responsibility for using it – politely select the correct floor for other people, hold the ‘doors open’ button if required or activate the ‘doors close’ button if everyone’s in situ and ready to go.

One wonders if you are intending to update this in the next publication to take into account the modern vogue of lifts that have hall call destination controls and therefore have no floor buttons within the lift car itself?

Perhaps an inclusion for escalators as well? People should be well versed with the unwritten rule of standing on the right!

Debrett’s, with impeccable manners of course replied:

“Thank you so much for your comments. As it happens, the new edition of A-Z of Modern Manners is currently being printed, so I am afraid it is too late for us to include your suggestion about lifts with a hall call function, although I will note it for future re-prints. I will also make a note that we should mention escalator etiquette, which is a very valid point.

I really appreciate you taking the trouble to write to us. The new edition of the book will be published on 2nd April 2024.”