JD Wetherspoon has confirmed a ban on customers playing music or taking calls on their phones across all 792 of its UK pubs, including branches in Birmingham. The decision, announced earlier this week, follows complaints from customers who said loud phone use was spoiling their visits.
Customers back the new phone ban
Reaction from regulars has been largely positive. One customer told the Guardian: “There is no way anyone should be allowed to be obnoxious enough to have their phone on loud. Why should people choose to play music that I don’t like and that other people around them don’t like?” They added: “I listen to music with headphones on, in a private way.”
A second drinker said: “I come here because I am a member of a film club nearby and they don’t let me smoke my cigar, so I visit here to smoke it and watch the world go by. Music is a personal thing, so I agree with Mr Martin. You can’t impose it on other people. Loud phone calls are the same thing. I don’t want to hear about your personal life – unless you are having a conversation with me about it!”
Staff welcome the company-wide rule
Pub staff have also voiced support for the measure. A bar manager said: “It annoys me, it annoys other customers. I have to ask them to stop. If it’s been banned by the whole company, it means it must be an issue across the different Wetherspoons. Some people understand when we ask them to turn off the noise – others are looking for a fight.”
Another customer added: “I think it’s a great idea. People have loud speakerphone conversations right next to you and you can’t enjoy your pint. In a pub, you don’t want that. I take my phone calls outside.”
Company statement on the ban
Wetherspoon said the ban was introduced after complaints from customers who were “being driven nuts” by other people’s videos and amplified phone conversations. In a statement, the firm 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 company said sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an “increasing problem in recent years”. The ban now applies across all Wetherspoon pubs, including those in Birmingham, and asks customers to keep devices on silent or use earphones when making calls or watching content.
