Wetherspoons Bans Loud Music and Speakerphone Calls in UK Pubs

Pub and bar operator Wetherspoons has officially banned its customers from playing music out loud or taking phone calls on speaker across its venues in the UK. The new policy affects the 792 pubs and bars run by Wetherspoons across the UK, setting a firm standard for customer etiquette within the massive hospitality network.

The restriction also specifically applies to the 44 Lloyds' bars where the chain typically plays music in the evening. Wetherspoons' founder Tim Martin explained the reasoning behind the initiative, describing the venues as aiming to be an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation in a world dominated by other people's music and amplified sound. Martin added that in order to avoid customers being driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound, they are kindly asking phone users to pipe down.

Regarding enforcement, a statement from Wetherspoons clarified their stance on managing rule-breakers: 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 approach gives local staff discretionary power while relying primarily on voluntary compliance from patrons enjoying a drink or a meal.

The British Beer and Pub Association expressed strong support for the decision, noting that having a clear policy helps staff enforce rules and customers know what they can and can't do. The association further commented that they are yet to hear of anyone who relishes having a pint against the backdrop of a speakerphone call or someone loudly playing a video, so they expect this move will be greatly welcomed.

Public annoyance regarding personal audio devices is well-documented elsewhere. A Transport for London survey previously found that 70% of respondents considered loud music and phone calls without headphones to be a nuisance. Meanwhile, an Ofcom survey conducted in August 2022 involving 1,010 people highlighted generational divides in audio habits, revealing that 69% of 13-to-17-year-olds questioned said it was acceptable to make video calls without headphones, 73% deemed it acceptable to listen to music without headphones, and 83% found it acceptable to watch videos without headphones.

Wetherspoons' new audio guidelines arrive as the company navigates various financial pressures. Profit for the year for Wetherspoons is expected to be lower than expected because of higher costs for food, labour, repairs, energy and business rates. Despite these economic hurdles, the chain's operational adjustments continue, placing it alongside rival pub chain Sam Smiths, which maintains a stricter, longstanding policy banning tech use of any kind and swearing.