Wetherspoon bans loudspeaker use in all 792 pubs

JD Wetherspoon has implemented a ban on customers playing music or taking phone calls on loudspeakers across all 792 of its pubs, a move the company says is in response to complaints from patrons who were being "driven nuts" by the noise. The policy, which makes Wetherspoon the first pub chain to forbid loudspeaker use on its premises, was introduced on Monday, August 17, 2026. Signs have been installed in all venues instructing customers to use headphones or switch their phones to silent.

The company stated that while it has long had a policy of not playing music in most of its pubs, the increasing use of smartphones and tablets for videos and amplified conversations had become a growing problem. A spokesperson for Wetherspoon explained that the decision followed direct feedback from customers. "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 spokesperson said.

Sir Tim Martin, the founder and chairman of the pub chain, framed the ban as a measure to preserve a peaceful environment. "In a world dominated by other...