Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs

Wetherspoons, the UK pub chain with 792 establishments, has implemented a ban on customers playing music out loud or making speaker calls in its venues. The decision comes after numerous complaints, with the company citing the noise as a growing issue that drives people "nuts." The move follows a long-standing policy at rival chain Sam Smiths, which prohibits any phone or tech use in its pubs, including swearing.

Wetherspoons attributes the ban to a series of increasingly vocal complaints from patrons, and the company hopes common sense enforcement will suffice. However, managers retain the authority to ask offenders to leave if necessary. The company's chief executive, Tim Martin, emphasizes that its pubs are "an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation," and the chain does not play music during regular hours, except at its 44 Lloyds bars.

The policy change follows a decade of financial struggles for Wetherspoons, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and inflation. The company announced in recent months that its expected profit for the year would be lower than anticipated due to increased costs in various areas, including food, labor, repairs, energy, and business rates.