JD Wetherspoon has announced a new rule affecting all of its UK pubs and restaurants after customers complained that they were being "driven nuts". The British food and drinks chain confirmed on Monday that it has banned customers from playing music or taking calls on speaker, with the ban effective immediately across all of its 792 pubs.
Smartphone noise an 'increasing problem'
The company said sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an "increasing problem in recent years". A statement from the company reads: "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."
Chairman calls for 'pipe down'
Wetherspoon chairman and founder Sir Tim Martin 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."
Public support for similar measures
The Liberal Democrats have 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.
