Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs
The UK pub chain Wetherspoons has implemented a ban on customers playing music or taking calls on speakerphone in its establishments. The company aims to maintain a quiet atmosphere, citing customer complaints about noise.
Why it matters
The policy reflects a growing public desire for 'quiet spaces' and a pushback against the intrusion of personal technology in shared social environments.
Image source, Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images By Mitchell Labiak Business reporter Published 58 minutes ago Wetherspoons has banned its customers from playing music out loud or taking calls on speaker, saying the noise was an increasing problem driving people "nuts".
The company – which runs 792 pubs and bars across the UK – said that following complaints it has asked customers to switch their phones and tablets to silent or to use earphones.
Polling in recent years by various organisations suggests people are largely opposed to others playing music or taking calls on speaker in public spaces.
Wetherspoons told the BBC that staff will be asked to use "common sense" when enforcing the ban.
"We are not looking to ask anyone to leave a pub if they go against the ruling, but it is an option for managers if they refuse to do so," the company said.
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