Charlotte Smith

JD Wetherspoon has banned customers from using loudspeakers for phone calls or music in all of its pubs, including the 10 venues in Sheffield. Customers interviewed broadly welcomed the rule, saying speakerphone conversations and amplified music disturb diners, although existing high-ceilinged buildings can already make ordinary conversation sound loud. Customers are being asked to use silent mode or earphones. The chain already has a general no-music policy, apart from selected Lloyds bars, and founder Tim Martin said the change is intended to reduce excessive noise.