Wetherspoons’ major rule change ahead of Euro 2024 after boozer slammed for harsh ban during World Cup frenzy
WETHERSPOONS has reversed a controversial ban for its boozers on the eve of Euros footie festivities.The proud pub chain in 2018 controversially rolled out bunting featuring every competing nation’s colours – but restricted staff when it came to another key decoration. Punters can expect a more patriotic pub experience for the 2024 EurosCredit: GettySt George’s Cross is set to be welcomed back to Spoons boozersCredit: AlamyThe St George’s Cross, along with all other flags, were barred from being flown in Spoons watering holes during the 2018 World Cup – but patriotic pubs are now being given the go-ahead. Spokesman Eddie Gershon said the previous restriction was an effort to keep each Spoons pub consistent.He explained at the time: “What we aren’t looking for is individual pubs putting extra flags up, so that one pub in Leeds might have a big England flag but another might not.”We have sent this morning bunting to all our pubs, but staff can’t go willy-nilly adding anything they want to it.”Read more sport newsA Worcester barman slammed the move as an “absolute joke”, The Sun reported in 2018.The employee wrote online: “Absolute joke that we have to take our England flags down at work. We are an English pub chain.”The bunting featuring every competing nation will again be handed to all Spoons pubs for the Euros.But now bar staff are being told they can also fly flags at their discretion as the nation cheers on Gareth Southgate’s boys in Germany.Most read in FootballSpokesman Eddie Gershon confirmed to The Sun: “Wetherspoon pubs can put out flags and bunting for the Euros if they wish to do so.”It comes after Spoons moved to end the peculiar “phenomenon” of single-file queuing at its bars.How Wetherspoons brought in strict new ordering rule A Merseyside boozer was snapped putting up a sign that read: “please stand at the bar to be served.”It went viral on social media amid a brewing “campaign to end the recent phenomenon of queuing in single file in pubs” led by @QueuesPub on X.The trend is speculated by some to be a byproduct of Covid times, when punters were forced to stand in lines socially distanced. Spoons chief Tim Martin told The Sun: “On balance, Wetherspoon would opt for the traditional anarchy of the pub non-queue.”It appears tradition is back in vogue at Spoons just in time for Euros footie fever. Spoons’ rules
KIDS
Wetherspoons welcomes under-18s during permitted hours, which vary from pub to pub.
Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
If alcohol is ordered, some pubs may ask that all members of that party also order a main meal.
The serving of alcohol is at the manager’s discretion and the purchase or consumption by under-18s is never permitted.
DOGS
The pub chain has a blanket ban on canines.
They aren’t allowed in the pub, in beer gardens or even the car park.
“Even well trained dogs can sometimes behave unpredictably,” the rules say.
The only exception to this is for assistance dogs, but Wetherspoons asks that they are clearly marked with a recognisable leash or collar.
DRESS CODE
Patrons must be fully dressed at all times – this means no taking off your shirts or footwear.
The website also stipulates that clothing slogans, accessories or tattoos must not be offensive.
SMOKING AND VAPING
This is only allowed in designating smoking areas.
Wetherspoons warns that rule applies in hotel rooms and external areas.
BEHAVIOUR
The pub chain urges all patrons to be considerate to both fellow punters and employees.
Rules say boozers will work with the cops to prosecute those physically or verbally abusing employees.
Spoons boss Tim Martin has clarified a few controversial issues in recent timesCredit: AFPExpect a sea of England flags at Spoons pubs throughout the tournamentCredit: Getty More
