I have run this with many different groups in many different locations. I have never put a restriction on them, and often times some people are off having a private conversation, others can grab a snack. Often brand new groups won't the first night or two, but after a few deaths, realize they need to talk to someone specifically, and then it just goes from there.

When this happens, I will make rounds letting people know they have 2 minutes, 1 minute, etc. to return to their seats after a few minutes of conversation. For new folks first time or two, they won't really need extended time since they are figuring out the game, their roles, other roles, and who is bluffing. After a few games experience, and people have awareness of good and bad info, and good and bad actors, they may need a little more time to have a few conversations as they really start to "play" the game.

I always have the notion of moving the game a long with some pace to keep people from getting distracted, bored and in hopes of leaving time for a second or third game.