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Urmston Pub Bans Quiz Team Over Smartwatch Cheating, Declines to Name Culprits

Repeated tech‑aided wins deterred regulars, prompting a ban announced on social media.

Overview

  • The Barking Dog in Greater Manchester disqualified a team after a host observed players whispering into smartwatches and using song‑ID apps during the quiz.
  • Staff acted after an anonymous former competitor tipped off the pub to watch the suspects’ wrists during the weekly event.
  • The team was barred from future quizzes but remains welcome as customers, and the pub will not revoke the £30 bar‑tab pot already won.
  • A Facebook post disclosed the cheating without identifying individuals, which prompted intense local speculation; the team has not returned.
  • The quiz had previously imposed a phone ban as wins mounted and attendance slipped, and this week’s contest includes a themed round on famous cheats.