Wetherspoon pubs have introduced two new rules after complaints from customers who said they were "driven nuts" by noise. The chain has become the first pub company to prohibit the use of loudspeakers.
This includes taking phone calls, playing music out loud, and playing video games. Signs have been installed in all 792 venues asking customers to use headphones or put their phones on mute.
New policy on smartphones and iPads
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons 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 urges customers to 'pipe down'
Founder Sir Tim Martin said it is important the establishments remain a calm environment for people. 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."
