JD Wetherspoon has announced a ban on customers playing music or taking calls on speaker in its pubs, following customer complaints. The new rule has been introduced across the company's 792 UK locations to tackle what has become an "increasing problem in recent years".
New rule after complaints
In a statement, JD Wetherspoon 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."
The move comes after members of the Liberal Democrats called for fines of up to £1,000 for "headphone dodgers" who play music out loud on trains and buses.
Public support and similar measures
A YouGov poll of 6,815 British adults in 2025 found that 62% would back such fines, while 28% would oppose them. Support was strongest among pensioners, with almost three-quarters in favour, while those aged 18 to 24 were split 47-43 in favour.
Similar action has been taken in London, where Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan rolled out a campaign last year encouraging headphone use on the city's transport network.
Wetherspoon chairman's comment
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."
