Wetherspoons introduces strict new ban for customers following 'increasing problem'

Wetherspoons customers are set to be slapped with a brand new ban, and it may change your restaurant visits with friends and family from here on out.

Famed for its cheap-as-chips pints and rotating menu deals, Wetherspoons is an absolute British institution which began life as Martin’s Free House back in 1979.

Since then, the chain has opened around 800 locations across the United Kingdom and recently cut the ribbon on Castell de Santa Bàrbera, its first European pub in Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport.

But times are changing, with Wetherspoons ushering in a new era of smartphone rules.

On Monday (17 August), the budget-friendly chain announced that drinkers and diners would no longer be able to stream music on their phones without headphones or take phone calls whilst propped up at the bar or sitting at tables.

New mobile phone rules will impact Wetherspoons customers (Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The noise ban has been implemented as mobile phones have become an ‘increasing problem in recent years’, as per a Spoons press release.

“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 business said in a statement.

The comment was followed up by the company’s chairman and founder, Sir Tim Martin, who claimed: “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 new legislation makes Wetherspoons the first pub chain to forbid people from using loudspeakers on its premises.

Social media users have been weighing in, with many praising the corporation for the bold move.

The business' bold move has been praised by social media users (John Keeble/Getty Images)

“I don't understand why people feel the need to use the speaker anyway? Why not just hold the phone to your ear? Then you and the person calling can hear each other better without having to screech at the top of your voice!?,” one X user said.

A second said: “Good for them. I wish the train/bus companies would do the same.”

“Good! No argument that’s the right policy,” echoed someone else.

Samuel Smith’s has zero-tolerance on tech usage

Samuel Smith Pubs, of which there are around 200 in the UK, famously have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to screen use. Mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and other tech items are banned from use on the premises.

The legislation was first reported on back in 2019, with a memo stating: “If a customer receives a call then he or she should go outside to take it in the same way as it is required with smoking. Whether outside or inside, tablets and iPads must be prohibited.

“Customers must not be allowed to receive transmitted pictures of sport or download music apps on the brewery’s premises either inside or outside.

“The brewery’s policy is that our pubs are for social conversation person to person.”

The chain has also previously banned televisions and music in the past to maintain a ‘traditional, uncompromisingly Victorian aesthetic’, as per The Drinks Business.