Regal Moon owner closes social media accounts

Regal Moon, JD Wetherspoon in Rochdale

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has closed its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for its individual pubs and head office.

JD Wetherspoon had three pubs in the borough; The Regal Moon in Rochdale, The Harbord Harbord in Middleton and The Edwin Waugh in Heywood.

The company, which has almost 900 pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland, is shutting all the accounts with immediate effect.

It says the move follows the bad publicity surrounding social media.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “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.”