Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs
Wetherspoons has asked customers across its 792 UK pubs to use earphones or switch devices to silent following noise complaints.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Wetherspoons bans phone music and speaker calls across 792 UK pubs
- Staff are instructed to use common sense and ask patrons to use earphones
- Surveys show broad public annoyance, though teenagers report differing views
- Rival chain Sam Smiths enforces an even stricter ban on tech and swearing
The company operating 792 pubs and bars across the UK has implemented a new policy requesting that customers switch their electronic devices to silent or use earphones, following a series of complaints regarding disruptive noise.
Recent polling conducted by various organizations indicates that the general public largely opposes individuals playing music or taking loudspeaker calls in public areas. A survey carried out last year by Transport for London involving 1,000 participants revealed that 70 percent of respondents considered loud music and phone calls without headphones to be a nuisance.
Nevertheless, evidence also highlights a distinct generational divide regarding device usage. According to an Ofcom survey of 1,010 individuals conducted in August 2022, among respondents aged 13 to 17, 69 percent stated that making video calls was acceptable, 73 percent deemed listening to music without headphones acceptable, and 83 percent approved of watching videos in the same manner.
This move by Wetherspoons underscores the growing friction in hospitality venues as traditional social etiquette clashes with modern smartphone habits. Managing ambient noise in enclosed social spaces like pubs has become a key operational challenge for business owners seeking to accommodate diverse customer expectations without alienating younger demographics.
Wetherspoon informed the BBC that staff would rely on common sense when enforcing the new prohibition. The company clarified its stance by stating they are not looking to ask anyone to leave a pub if they go against the ruling, but noted it remains an option for managers if individuals refuse to comply.
The restriction follows a more stringent, longstanding policy established by rival pub chain Sam Smiths, which enforces a complete ban on technology use and swearing on its premises. Wetherspoon confirmed that the new rules regarding phone music and loudspeaker calls will also apply to its 44 Lloyds bars, which typically feature evening music.
Source: BBC Business
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