Wetherspoons has introduced a ban on customers playing music or taking phone calls on speaker in its London pubs, following a flood of complaints about noise. The pub chain said the sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an “increasing problem in recent years,” and that some customers were driving others “nuts.”
Ban Across All 792 Pubs
The ban applies to all 792 Wetherspoon pubs across the UK, including those in London. In a statement, the company 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.”
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.”
Public Support for Similar Measures
The move comes amid broader calls for action against “headphone dodgers.” The Liberal Democrats have previously proposed fines of up to £1,000 for those who play music out loud on buses and trains. A YouGov poll published in 2025 found that 62 per cent of people would back such fines, while 28 per cent would oppose them.
The poll, which surveyed 6,815 British adults, revealed strong generational divides. Almost three-quarters of pensioners supported the fines, while those aged between 18 and 24 were split 47-43 in favour.
London Mayor’s Campaign
In London, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan launched a campaign last year encouraging people to use headphones when playing music on the city’s transport network. The campaign aligns with Wetherspoon’s new policy, which aims to preserve what Sir Tim Martin called an “oasis of tranquillity.”
Wetherspoon opened its first pub in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1979. Initially called Martin’s Free House, the pub was renamed Wetherspoons early the following year. The ban is now in effect across all its establishments, signalling a firm stance on noise etiquette in its venues.
