JD Wetherspoon has banned customers from playing music on their phones and making calls on loudspeaker, following a wave of complaints. The chain said customers were being "driven nuts" by disruptive noise from inconsiderate fellow punters.
Notices placed in all pubs
Notices have now been put up across all 792 of the chain's pubs, instructing customers to use headphones or switch their phones to silent.
The company has long defended its policy of not playing background music in its venues, which it believes lessens the enjoyment of customers.
Spokesperson explains policy
A Wetherspoon spokesperson said: "Unlike most pubs and restaurants, Wetherspoon pubs have always had a policy of not having music (although 44 of our 792 pubs trade as 'Lloyds' and have music at certain times)."
"An increasing problem in recent years relates to smartphones and iPads, which are used for videos or telephone conversations. Following complaints from customers, who are being driven nuts by other people's videos and amplified phone conversations, Wetherspoon has asked customers to switch their phones to silent or to use earphones."
Founder's view
The chain's founder and chairman, Sir Tim Martin, maintained that the new measures are put in place to maintain the "oasis of tranquillity and contemplation" of Wetherspoons pubs.
He said: "In a world dominated by other people's music and amplified sound, Wetherspoon pubs are an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation."
"In order to avoid customers being driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound, we are kindly asking phone users to pipe down."
