Army veteran refused Wetherspoon pub entry for wearing poppy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 12:57 · Archive

A man was refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport for wearing a poppy, which staff said was 'political'.

A man was refused entry to The Star, a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport, Hampshire, on Sunday after staff said his poppy was 'political'. Footage circulating on social media shows a doorman telling the man: 'Really sorry mate, you can't come in with a poppy I'm afraid. It's political.' The doorman suggested the man could enter if he removed the poppy and put it in his pocket, but warned him not to put it on inside or he would be asked to leave and not served.

Other patrons also alleged that the pub refused them entry for wearing red poppies, with one veteran telling outlets the poppy was considered 'too political'. According to the footage, pub staff referenced concerns about anything that could 'be perceived as political', comparing the poppy to other symbols they said they would also turn away.

The incident took place on Sunday during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre in Gosport, where hundreds of people gathered waving England and Union flags. The pub has not publicly responded to the allegations.

How it is being reported

• Pub-goer fumes after he claims he was barred from Wetherspoon for wearing poppyThe boozer denied this.Metro · 26 Oct, 12:44
• Fury as Army veteran turned away from Wetherspoon pub for 'wearing a poppy'Footage appears to show a man being turned away from the boozer for wearing a poppy as it is "political".Daily Express · 26 Oct, 06:30

In this story: The Star · Wetherspoon · Gosport · Reform UK · Hampshire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem