Pub openings, job creation

Wetherspoon (JD) PLC
28 December 2006



National pub operator JD Wetherspoon is to open 30 new pubs and create 1,200
jobs in 2007.


The company is to invest more than £35 million developing the pubs across the
UK, including new outlets in Sheffield, Bishop Auckland, St Austell, Hertford
and Devizes.


In addition, it plans to invest a further £25 million on its existing pubs, with
the creation of exterior smoking areas and the installation of super-chilled
technology.


At present Wetherspoon has 662 pubs and bars in the UK.


Wetherspoon Chief Executive John Hutson said: ' Our non-smoking pubs have proven
very popular and this has given us the impetus to open more pubs in 2007.


'Although the non-smoking ban might effect sales in all pubs when it is
introduced, we are confident that in the long-term it will result in more people
visiting pubs and that it will be a positive move.


'As a result of this, we are increasing our pub opening programme in 2007.'


Ends


 Note to newsdesk - Wetherspoon opened 12 new pubs in 2006


For more information please contact Nathan Wall (Wetherspoon Operations
Director) on 07970 477287 or Eddie Gershon (Wetherspoon spokesman) on 
07956 392234


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange