It followed an article in The Sun where Martin was quoted as suggesting QR codes in pubs were preventing banter at the bar.
In the news report, Martin “bemoaned the rise of QR codes” and suggested “he may even decide to call time on the use of technology in the future.”
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It was in response to Martin joking that he agreed that app users are unable to “[shoot] the breeze with the bar team…impressing them with … witty observations”.
‘No basis in fact’
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, Wetherspoons said The Sun story has “no basis in fact” and has created “anxiety among dedicated app-users”, with Martin making clear the app is “here to stay”.
The clarification comes amid wider cost pressures facing the business, with Martin recently warning energy bills could rise significantly as conflict in the Middle East continues.
The group has also continued to highlight the scale of its tax burden, with its annual bill recently exceeding £1m per pub across the estate.
Martin said: “The journalist undoubtedly had a rush of blood to the head and struggled to understand my deft sense of humour. The app is very popular and Wetherspoon never had any intention of curbing its use.”
The pubco’s Order and Pay app, first introduced in 2017, allows customers to order food and drink directly to their table without visiting the bar, and is now available across its UK estate.
At the time of launch, Wetherspoon said the app was designed to let customers “sit back and relax” while orders are delivered to their table, adding it had proven a “big hit” with users.
The app also supports digital payment options and includes features such as menu browsing and repeat ordering.
- This article was originally posted on The MA’s sister site, MCA
