Why is Wetherspoons banning dogs from its pubs?

Britain’s biggest pub chain JD Wetherspoon is to ban dogs from its premises nationwide from Monday.

The company has had the policy in place since 1979 but is only now deciding to enforce it following a consultation.

The reason given for the announcement is that some children are frightened of canines so welcoming them inside risks deterring parents with young families from visiting for lunch.

What has JD Wetherspoon said?

“Even well behaved dogs can be unpredictable – every dog owner thinks their dog is perfect,” spokesman Eddie Gershon said.

“We welcome a lot of children and families and younger children in particular can be unpredictable around dogs and many are scared of dogs.

“We serve a lot of food. Unfortunately not all owners are diligent over cleaning up dog mess.”

Are they any exceptions to the rule?

Exception will be made for registered assistance dogs although the chain is urging owners to bring the appropriate documentation and ensure their guides wear high-visibility harnesses, collars and leads to ensure staff are able to distinguish them from conventional pets to avoid causing upset.

The blanket ban will even apply to beer gardens, often a compromise pubs offer to dog walkers in the event that they don’t allow their animals inside.

How has the decision been received?

The news has been met with a mixed reaction on social media, with some dog owners expressing outrage, pointing out that many Wetherspoons customers are likely to prove equally “unpredictable” after a few rounds.

JD Wetherspoon has become something of a national institution in recent decades, its 1,000 pubs providing a sanctuary for those in search of an affordable pint and a curry before noon.

Famed for its psychedelic carpets, the chain’s other rules include a ban on music – inspired by George Orwell’s 1946 Evening Standard article “The Moon Under Water” – and an expectation that punters remain fully clothed at all times.

Its founder, arch-Brexiteer Tim Martin, named the franchise after his favourite character in the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard (JD “Boss” Hogg”) and the geography teacher, Mr Wetherspoon, who said he would never amount to anything.