Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has banned customers from playing music or taking calls on loud speaker following complaints that noise was driving people “nuts”.
The British company announced on Monday that it has introduced the policy across its 792 pubs, noting that noise from smartphones and tablet computers was an “increasing problem in recent years”.
The company said in a statement: “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 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.”
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.
Last month, Wetherspoon’s reported slower-than-expected sales growth and warned over profits again, spoiling investor hopes of a World Cup and warm weather boost.
The British pub chain recorded sales growth of 4% in the three months to July 19, compared with the same period last year.
Sir Tim told investors: “Profits for the year are likely to be below market expectations, with marginally lower sales than anticipated in the final quarter, combined with higher costs in the areas of food, labour, repairs, energy and business rates.”
Wetherspoon opened its first pub in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1979.
First called Martin’s Free House, the pub was renamed to Wetherspoons early the following year.