JD Wetherspoon closes all social media accounts

UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon has announced that it is closing the social media accounts for every single one of its 900 venues, with chairman Tim Martin saying that it was due in part to recent concerns over data security, general misuse and its addictive nature.

Following the announcement (on Twitter) this morning (16 April), the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for all 900 pubs across the UK have been suspended indefinitely, with Martin saying that no jobs would be affected by the move while also rejecting the idea that a large-scale social media presence was essential to promoting a brand.

Martin said in a statement: “We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business.

“I don’t believe that closing these accounts will affect our business whatsoever, and this is the overwhelming view of our pub managers.

“It’s becoming increasingly obvious that people spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and struggle to control the compulsion.

“We will still be as vocal as ever through our Wetherspoon News magazine, as well as keeping the press updated at all times.

“We will also be maintaining our website and the Wetherspoon app and encourage customers to get in touch with us via our website or by speaking with the manager at their local pub.”

Martin told the BBC he thought the move would give the business a competitive advantage because, “everyone else is wasting hours of their time.”