CLOSING TIME
This is the reason Wetherspoons has SHUT DOWN all 900 pubs’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts
JD Wetherspoon is shutting down its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts for all its 900 pubs and head office with immediate affect.
The pub chain said it made the decision following concerns about social media being used to troll MPs.
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The move also takes into account recent concerns over the misuse of personal data and the addictive nature of social media.
It comes in the wake of Facebook's privacy scandal, which saw British research company Cambridge Analytica inappropriately gain access to data from about 87 million users worldwide.
Wetherspoons' boss Tim Martin said he doesn't believe closing the accounts will affect the business.
He said: "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."
The announcement also appeared on the pub chain's Twitter page.
Wetherspoons has more than 44,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 followers on Facebook.
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Its most popular posts have received more than 500,000 views.
The company now has 904 pubs and rakes in an annual profit of £51.2 million.
Last year, Wetherspoon found itself in the centre of social media controversy after a fake Twitter account under the name of @Wetherspoon_UK, tweeted that the pub chain's staff would not be able to wear poppies on Remembrance Day while at work.
The tweet said: "Due to the ever expanding multiculturalism of our clientele and employees this year our staff will not be wearing the poppy."
The rumour subsequently took off on Facebook
The fake account generated a lot of angry replies and calls to boycott the chain's outlets from customers.
JD Wetherspoon was forced to publicly deny and condemn the spoof statement
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Last month, Wetherspoon's boss said the pub chain could remove Prosecco and Champagne from the bar if the EU imposes higher taxes on fizz after the UK leaves the European Union.
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He hinted he could instead look for alternatives from outside the European Union.
Known for being a staunch advocate of the Leave campaign, Tim Martin has previously printed and distributed half a million pro-Brexit beer mats attacking George Osborne's stance on the EU referendum.
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