Veterans refused entry to Wetherspoon pub for wearing poppies

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 14:28 · Archive

Security staff at a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport, Hampshire, refused entry to veterans wearing remembrance poppies, citing company policy.

Veterans were refused entry to The Star, a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport, Hampshire, on 25 October for wearing remembrance poppies. The incident occurred during an anti-immigration march and counter-demonstration in the town. A group including several veterans, who were wearing ordinary clothes with no flags or party logos, approached the pub after campaigning.

Security staff told the group that wearing poppies was not allowed under company policy, describing them as 'political'. Video footage shows a security guard stating: 'Anything that could be perceived as political, it's a no. It's blanket.' The guard also said the pub would refuse entry to people wearing pride flag badges, applying the same policy across the board.

Councillor George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, was part of the group. He said both security staff and the manager gave the same explanation at the door. Mr Madgwick stated: 'The manager said they would take the same view if someone had a pride flag. I think that's a completely different thing and an outrageous comparison to make.'

Wetherspoon confirmed it is not operating a ban on poppies. The company said the decision to refuse entry was part of broader security measures put in place due to the demonstrations taking place in Gosport that weekend.

How it is being reported

• Veterans refused entry to Wetherspoons for wearing Remembrance poppiesVeterans were refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub for wearing remembrance poppies, after staff deemed them too 'political'.Wiltshire Times · 26 Oct, 14:02
• Veterans refused entry to Wetherspoons for wearing Remembrance poppiesVeterans were refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub for wearing remembrance poppies, after staff deemed them too 'political'.Swindon Advertiser · 26 Oct, 14:02
• Veterans refused entry to Wetherspoons for wearing Remembrance poppiesVeterans were refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub for wearing remembrance poppies, after staff deemed them too 'political'.Gazette & Herald · 26 Oct, 14:02

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

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