Responsible drinks retailing and marketing

At Wetherspoon, we are committed to promoting responsible retailing, ensuring that our practices foster sensible alcohol consumption, community safety and informed decision-making.

Alcohol responsibility

• Since 2011, Wetherspoon has supported the Public Health Responsibility Deal, raising awareness of alcohol units and preventing underage sales. The company also supports Drinkaware and ensures responsible advertising and marketing.
• Wetherspoon was the first major on-trade retailer to display alcohol unit content on drinks menus and customer information screens in pubs.

Community engagement

• Wetherspoon’s pubs are members of 534 pubwatch schemes, collaborating with local authorities and police to promote good behaviour and reduce antisocial activity.
• The company has completed the first centralised Best Bar None accreditation, and the results were submitted, assessed and approved by the central Best Bar None team. All pubs have been Best Bar None accredited, including those in Ireland
  (Northern and the Republic).
• Ask for Angela – This the national scheme which helps those feeling unsafe or vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need. The scheme is advertised in all pubs and hotels, with staff trained to look after the individual(s) and assist, where possible. This may include calling a taxi, contacting friends/family, offering a safe place away from other individuals and/or calling the police.

Responsible gambling

• The company applies proof-of-age policies to anyone playing gaming machines to ensure that the machines are not played by customers aged under 18 years.
• Responsible gambling messages are displayed on digital gaming machines, with information also provided about support organisations for problem gambling.

Food safety and health

• As at 1 July 2025, Wetherspoon has 740 pubs rated on the Food Standards Agency’s food hygiene rating website, with an average score of 4.99, the highest among major pub chains.

These initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to responsible retailing and creating a safe and informed environment for customers and communities.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/about-us/