Wetherspoons pubs ban music and loud phone calls

Key facts

• Wetherspoons has implemented a ban on playing music or using speakerphones in its pubs.
• The ban applies to all 792 Wetherspoons locations.
• The decision follows customer complaints about noise from devices.
• Customers are asked to use silent mode or headphones.
• The company aims to maintain a quiet atmosphere in its establishments.

The pub chain Wetherspoons has introduced a ban on customers playing music or taking phone calls on speakerphone across its 792 pubs. The company stated that sounds from smartphones and tablet computers have become an "increasing problem in recent years," leading to complaints from patrons.

In a statement, Wetherspoons explained that customers were being disturbed by amplified videos and phone conversations, prompting the request for patrons to switch their phones to silent or use earphones. Tim Martin, the founder and chair of Wetherspoons, described the pubs as an "oasis of tranquillity and contemplation" and asked phone users to "pipe down" to avoid a "cacophony of sound."

This move by Wetherspoons follows similar initiatives and discussions regarding noise pollution from personal devices in public spaces. The Liberal Democrats have previously advocated for fines of up to £1,000 for individuals playing music aloud on public transport. A YouGov poll indicated that 62% of people supported such fines, with a higher proportion of pensioners favouring the measure compared to younger adults. Last year, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched a campaign to encourage the use of headphones on public transport. Wetherspoons, originally named Martin's Free House, opened its first establishment in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979.