Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs

Wetherspoons has prohibited patrons from playing music aloud or taking calls on speakerphone within its establishments, citing an escalating issue with noise that is "driving people nuts."

The company, which operates 792 pubs and bars throughout the UK, implemented the new rule after receiving complaints. It has instructed customers to set their phones and tablets to silent or to use headphones.

Surveys conducted in recent years by various organizations indicate a general disapproval among the public regarding individuals playing music or using speakerphone in shared environments.

Wetherspoons informed the BBC that its staff would be expected to exercise "common sense" when enforcing the prohibition.

The company stated, "We are not looking to ask anyone to leave a pub if they go against the ruling, but it is an option for managers if they refuse to do so."

This move comes after a more stringent, long-standing policy at competitor pub chain Sam Smiths, which forbids all phone or technology use, in addition to a ban on profanity.

Wetherspoons itself does not play music in any of its pubs, with chief executive Tim Martin characterizing them as "an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation."

The chain does, however, play music in the evenings at its 44 Lloyds' bars. It confirmed that the ban on customers playing music and taking calls on speaker would also extend to these locations.

The number of Wetherspoons pubs has consistently decreased over the past decade, down from a high of 955 in late 2015.

Over these ten years, the firm has encountered financial difficulties stemming from the Covid pandemic and inflation.

Last month, the company informed investors that its annual profit would be lower than anticipated due to increased expenses for food, labor, repairs, energy, and business rates.

(Related articles: Why phones on loudspeaker may become just another noise; First university-owned Wetherspoons to open in May)