Wetherspoons has introduced a ban on customers playing music or taking phone calls on loudspeakers across all 792 of its pubs, effective Monday, in a bid to create an 'oasis of tranquility'. The pub chain said the antisocial noise from smartphones and tablets had become an 'increasing problem in recent years', prompting the company to act following a wave of customer complaints.
New rules to curb antisocial noise
The ban applies to all forms of amplified sound, including videos and phone conversations. Signs have been put up in every Wetherspoons venue instructing customers to switch their phones to silent or use earphones. The company stated: '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.'
This move makes Wetherspoons the first pub chain in the UK to forbid the use of loudspeakers on its premises. The ban is part of a broader effort to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, according to the company.
Founder's call for tranquility
Wetherspoon chairman and founder Sir Tim Martin emphasized the importance of a quiet environment, saying: '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.'
The decision follows a similar initiative by Transport for London, which launched a 'Headphones On' awareness campaign last year. The Liberal Democrats have also proposed fines of up to £1,000 for 'headphone dodgers' who play music aloud on public transport.
Public support for noise restrictions
A poll conducted in 2025 found that 62% of people would support the idea of fines for loud music on buses and trains, while 28% opposed it. The proposal was particularly popular among pensioners, with three-quarters of respondents in that age group backing the measure.
Wetherspoons' ban is expected to set a precedent in the hospitality industry, with other chains potentially following suit. The company has not indicated any plans for enforcement penalties, relying instead on customer cooperation to ensure compliance.
