No earphones being used while playing music. Credit: Castorly Stock, Pexels
A new public transport nuisance known as “bare beating” is frustrating UK commuters.
The Liberal Democrats are now calling for fines of up to £1,000 (€1,165) to tackle the antisocial habit, which many say is ruining peaceful journeys.
What is ‘bare beating’?
Despite its suggestive name, bare beating refers to passengers playing audio from devices – often phones – out loud and without headphones. The noise doesn’t have to be loud, as even low-volume sound is enough to irritate some nearby travellers.
The Liberal Democrats have branded offenders as “headphone dodgers” and want to see the act explicitly banned on public transport.
Lisa Smart, the party’s home affairs spokesperson, said:
“Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of antisocial behaviour – and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders.”
She added:
“It’s time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace” (Cited by The Standard).
Other travel trends/habits that drive people mad
Bare beating is just the latest in a string of trending commuter complaints gaining viral attention online. Other frustrating habits include:
- Rawdogging: flying or riding long distances without headphones, a book, or entertainment – simply staring into space.
- Aisle lice: passengers who jump up and crowd the aisle the moment a plane lands.
- Airport Theory: a popular (though controversial) TikTok trend people limit their time to get through check-in and security to just fifteen minutes.
While some might see bare beating as harmless, public opinion suggests otherwise.
A YouGov poll (cited by The Standard) found that:
- 34 per cent of Londoners would support fines for playing music or video out loud on public transport.
- 40 per cent of Brits said they had encountered the behaviour often or sometimes.
- More than 50 per cent said they wouldn’t feel confident asking the person to turn the sound down.
One user on X posted:
“Thank you to the two men on the @TfL bus next to me playing their music out loud. With a portable speaker. Because the rest of us were just waiting for your DJ skills.”
London cracks down on noise pollution
Elsewhere in the capital, authorities are already acting. In Leicester Square, buskers have been banned following complaints from nearby office workers.
According to the BBC (cited by CNN), a judge recently ruled that repetitive street performances – often Ed Sheeran covers – amounted to “psychological torture” for locals.
Westminster Council said it had been left “with no choice” but to implement a ban.
Will ‘bare beating’ be banned?
Although the Liberal Democrats are not in power, their call highlights growing concern around noise pollution on public transport. With commuter frustration mounting, could the UK follow cities like New York and Paris in enforcing stricter public transport etiquette?
Would you support a £1,000 fine for loud passengers – or is this taking things too far?
View all news from the UK.
