Wetherspoons has introduced a ban on speakerphone calls and playing music in all of its 792 locations, following complaints from customers who were driven "nuts" by the noise.
The pub chain said it took action as noise from devices becomes "an increasing problem in recent years". A spokesperson said: "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."
Poppy refusal allegations denied
This comes as Wetherspoons firmly rejected allegations that veterans wearing Remembrance Day poppies are prohibited from its premises. The statement follows a video showing a British Army veteran being refused admission to The Star in Gosport on Sunday afternoon (October 25).
In the footage, a doorman informed the man he could not enter while wearing a poppy because it was "political" and told him to remove it or risk being barred from the establishment. This occurred as approximately 400 anti-migrant demonstrators held a march through the town.
Wetherspoons' response and apology
A spokesperson for the pub chain stated it is a longstanding supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and distributes poppies in its establishments. The pub revealed they collected £55,867 for the appeal last year.
The statement continued: "There was a demonstration in Gosport on Sunday, near Wetherspoon's Star pub and there were extra security measures in place. Unfortunately, some poppy wearers, and other members of the public, were refused entry. On the advice of the police, the pub was closed for the rest of the day. The pub has now re-opened and Wetherspoon has apologised to customers for the inconvenience."
Veteran Scott Schillemore said he was in "disbelief" after being refused entry in the pub, adding that the poppies are "a sign of respect for the fallen". Mr Standen, a former Royal Marines Commando and current Councillor, said: "As a former Royal Marines Commando and current Councillor, I am absolutely shocked and saddened to hear that an Army veteran has been refused entry into a Wetherspoons for wearing a poppy. Our servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice must never be treated as though their sacrifice is something to be embarrassed about or hidden away. This whole episode is shameful."
