New Wetherspoons pub rule after people 'driven nuts'

J D Wetherspoon has introduced a new rule affecting technology users in their pubs.

They have asked customers using its pubs across Essex to put their phones on silent or wear earphones after complaints about videos and amplified calls.

The pub chain, which has 16 venues in Essex, says its pubs have long aimed to offer a quieter atmosphere by not playing music—apart from its venues which trade as Lloyds and play music at certain times.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said: "Unlike most pubs and restaurants, Wetherspoon pubs have always had a policy of not having music (although 44 of our 792 pubs trade as ‘Lloyds’ and have music at certain times).

"An increasing problem in recent years relates to smartphones and iPads, which are used for videos or telephone conversations.

"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 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 company has pubs in towns and cities across the county, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Basildon, and Southend.