Wetherspoon Imposes Ban on In-Pub Music and Speakerphone Calls
New policy targets smartphone noise, following public transport initiatives and widespread customer complaints.
Carla Rooney
JD Wetherspoon has banned customers from playing music or taking calls on speaker in its 792 pubs.
The pub chain stated customers were being driven "nuts" by other patrons' videos and amplified phone conversations.
Wetherspoon now requires customers to switch their phones to silent or to use earphones, a company statement confirmed.
In a world dominated by other people’s music and amplified sound, Wetherspoon pubs are an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation.
Sir Tim Martin, Wetherspoon chairman, declared, "In a world dominated by other people’s music and amplified sound, Wetherspoon pubs are an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation."
Martin further stated, "In order to avoid customers being driven to distraction by a cacophony of sound, we are kindly asking phone users to pipe down." This move follows numerous patron complaints.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to manage public noise.
Last year, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan rolled out a campaign encouraging headphone use across the city’s transport network.
The Liberal Democrats have previously called for fines up to £1,000 for playing music out loud on public transport.
A YouGov poll indicates 62% of people would back such a move, with 28% opposing the proposed fines.
The same YouGov poll suggests almost three-quarters of pensioners would support these fines. Those aged between 18 and 24 were reportedly split 47-43 in favour.
Wetherspoon, which opened its first pub in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979, now faces challenges beyond noise control.
Sir Tim Martin informed investors that profits for the year are likely to fall below market expectations.
Separately, Samuel Smith's reportedly banned all electronic devices in 2019, predating Wetherspoon's current policy.