Wetherspoon’s rules that could see you turned away or charged to enter

The festive season can often mean more trips out but it’s important to know any rules you must follow – including dress code and dogs

Many people will find themselves invited to trips out over the Christmas season. However there can be a risk if you are someone who heads out less often over the rest of the year.

Many pubs have strict rules for customers. Failure to follow them can see you turned away at the door or kicked out once you are inside.

As Wetherspoon’s is known for it low-cost food and drink and has more than 800 pubs there is a good chance you might include the chain in your outing. But it has some key rules that you need to be aware of or risk having your celebration ruined.

These cover everything from what you wear to charging for entry. And there is even a strict rule on whether dogs are allowed on the premises.

How should customers behave?

Wetherspoon’s says: “We expect all customers to behave in a manner appropriate to the pub environment and considerate to Wetherspoon employees and other customers. We will not, at any time, tolerate abusive, harassing or illegal behaviour.

“Employees have the right to work without being physically or verbally abused. We will work with the police to prosecute those who are physically or verbally abusive to employees.”

Can I vape?

According to Wetherspoon’s: “We do not permit the use of electronic cigarettes/vaporisers outside of the designated smoking areas on our premises. This includes hotel rooms and external areas.”

Can I be refused entry?

You might think you have a right to go inside unless you are doing something wrong but that isn’t always the case. According to the chain: “We have the right to refuse service and/or entry to the premises – without providing you with a reason.”

Does Wetherspoons charge to get inside?

While this isn’t the norm you might find you have to pay to get inside. Wetherspoon’s says: “Most pubs do not charge an entry fee at any time. On some occasions, we may charge – check in advance with the pub you wish to visit.”

What’s the dress code?

Yes – there is a dress code. The chain says: “The majority of our pubs are family environments so we ask our customers to dress appropriately and in a way which would not cause offence to employees or the public.

“All customers must be fully clothed throughout their visit. The company does not permit the removal of shirts or footwear.

“Clothing slogans, accessories and visible tattoos must be inoffensive. In addition, some pubs operate specific dress codes at all or certain times. For information on these requirements, speak directly to the team of the pub you wish to visit.”

Are dogs allowed?

If you want to take your pet to the pub you will probably have to look elsewhere. According to the Wetherspoon’s website: “Wetherspoon’s policy is that animals are not allowed in its pubs, hotels, gardens, car parks or on other external areas. The exceptions to the policy are trained guide dogs and also assistance dogs with accredited training from Assistance Dogs UK member organisations.

“Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK) works with organisations which provide training for assistance dogs and is accredited by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dogs Federation. Wetherspoon does not allow emotional support dogs or any other animals in our pubs, hotels, gardens, car parks or on other external areas.”

It explained the reason behind the rule saying: “Wetherspoon’s pubs are busy, with families and children present, and serve a lot of food. Dogs can sometimes behave unpredictably – and some customers may be frightened of, or allergic to, them.

“In addition, many customers do not like having dogs around when eating. While dogs with accredited training from Assistance Dogs UK member organisations are allowed entry, Wetherspoon is responsible for its own policies and is not affiliated to, or a member of, Assistance Dogs UK or its member organisations.

What are the rules about Under-18s

If you are looking for a family trip out you might need tobrush up on the rules around under-18s. Wetherspoon’s says: “Families are welcome to dine in the majority of our pubs; however, permitted hours for customers aged under 18 years may vary from pub to pub. During these permitted hours, 16- and 17-year-olds (with the exception of some pubs in Scotland) are welcome to visit, without adult supervision, for food and soft drinks only.

“Children under the age of 16 years must always be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 years and be supervised at all times. Some of our pubs may request that all members of a party with an under-18 present order a main meal, if alcohol is ordered. “Note that the serving of alcohol is at the manager’s discretion; there may be occasions when service is limited or refused to a whole group. We do not permit the purchase or consumption of alcohol or the use of gaming machines by under-18s on our premises.

“While, in some circumstances, 16- and 17-year-olds are legally permitted to drink certain types of alcohol with food, this is not permitted in Wetherspoon’s pubs. We also do not permit under-18s to drink low-alcohol or non-alcoholic beers or ciders, as these products often cannot be easily distinguished from their alcoholic equivalents.”