PUBS could soon be politer places following a decision by a major chain to discourage people from swearing on its premises.

JD Wetherspoon, which has 650 pubs around the country, including the Postal Order on Foregate Street, Worcester, is to print messages on menus and place signs at the bar asking drinkers to mind their language.

Tim Martin, founder and chief executive of Wetherspoon, said he accepted that many people swore from time to time, but he added that it could be unpleasant to sit next to a group of people swearing in a loud voice.

"I've discussed this with our management team and we will respectfully ask customers to mind their language," he said.

"Perhaps we shall include it on our table-top advertising material as well."

In another move to make nights out quieter and more civilised the chain is also planning to ban customers from using mobile phones in parts of its pubs, such as areas already designated for non-smoking.