If you’ve ever settled into a pub pint only to be interrupted by someone else’s TikTok feed blasting across the room, Wetherspoons may have some good news.

The pub giant has announced a nationwide crackdown on customers playing music, videos and phone calls through loudspeakers, following complaints that smartphone noise was turning visits to the pub into a less-than-relaxing experience.

The new policy has been rolled out across all 792 Wetherspoon pubs, with customers now being encouraged to switch devices to silent mode or use headphones.

In a statement, the chain said it had received growing numbers of complaints from customers frustrated by amplified phone conversations and videos being played in shared spaces.

“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.

Founded in 1979 by Sir Tim Martin, Wetherspoon has become one of Britain’s most recognisable pub operators, known for its budget-friendly food and drink, sprawling venues and knack for transforming historic buildings into pubs. Whether occupying former cinemas, banks, post offices or theatres, Wetherspoon venues have become fixtures of high streets across the UK, attracting everyone from breakfast regulars and remote workers to late-night revellers. The chain’s affordable prices and no-frills approach have earned it both loyal supporters and vocal critics, but few pub brands are as instantly recognisable.

Sir Tim Martin, Wetherspoon’s founder and chairman, said the move was aimed at preserving the pub atmosphere many customers value.

“In a world dominated by other people’s music and amplified sound, Wetherspoon pubs are an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation,” he said.

He added: “In order to avoid customers being driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound, we are kindly asking phone users to pipe down.”

The move comes amid a wider debate over so-called “headphone dodgers” in public spaces. The Liberal Democrats previously called for fines of up to £1,000 for people who play music or videos out loud on public transport.

Public opinion appears to be on their side. A YouGov poll conducted in 2025 found that 62 per cent of Britons supported the proposed fines, compared with 28 per cent who opposed them. Support was strongest among older age groups, with nearly three-quarters of pensioners backing the idea, while younger adults aged 18 to 24 were more evenly divided.

For pub-goers hoping for a quieter pint, Wetherspoon’s latest rule could mean fewer unwanted soundtracks and more conversation, contemplation and clinking glasses.