JD Wetherspoon has introduced a ban on customers playing music or taking calls on speaker across all 792 of its pubs, following complaints that the noise was driving people "nuts". The chain, which operates 23 venues in Merseyside, announced the new rule on Monday (August 17), stating that sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an "increasing problem in recent years".
Customer complaints prompt action
The company said in a statement: "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."
Wetherspoon chairman and founder Sir Tim Martin added: "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."
Broader context on loud phone use
The move comes after the Liberal Democrats previously called for fines of up to £1,000 for "headphone dodgers" who play music out loud on buses and trains. A YouGov poll published in 2025 suggested 62% of people would back the move, with 28% saying they would oppose the Lib Dems' proposed fines.
The poll, which surveyed 6,815 British adults, found almost three-quarters of pensioners would support the fines, while those aged between 18 and 24 were split 47-43 in favour. In London, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan rolled out a campaign last year encouraging people to use headphones when playing music on the city's transport network.
Wetherspoon's history
Wetherspoon opened its first pub in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979. First called Martin's Free House, the pub was renamed to Wetherspoons early the following year.
