Wetherspoon denies poppy ban after Gosport pub security row

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:28 · Archive

JD Wetherspoon denied a ban on poppies after video footage from its Gosport pub sparked controversy over entry refusals.

Extra security measures were in place at The Star in Gosport town centre on 25 October following an anti-immigration march and counter-protest in the town. Video footage shared on social media appeared to show a security staff member telling a customer they could enter if they removed their poppy and kept it in their pocket. In a separate clip, a manager appeared to explain that restrictions applied to items that could be perceived as political.

The footage prompted criticism from Reform UK councillor George Madgwick, who claimed the refusal of entry was "purely about the poppy". However, JD Wetherspoon's spokesperson said the pub was a "long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppies for sale in our pubs, including The Star". The spokesperson confirmed there was no ban on poppies but stressed that standard security measures were in place due to the demonstrations in the town.

Some members of the public, including those wearing poppies, did not gain entry to the pub. On police advice, the pub closed to all customers at 5pm and remained closed the following day.

How it is being reported

• Wetherspoon issues statement following poppy row at Hampshire pubJD Wetherspoon has said there is no ban on customers wearing poppies after footage from a Hampshire pub sparked controversy.Romsey Advertiser · 26 Oct, 15:56
• Wetherspoon issues statement following poppy row at Hampshire pubJD Wetherspoon has said there is no ban on customers wearing poppies after footage from a Hampshire pub sparked controversy.Andover Advertiser · 26 Oct, 15:56
• Wetherspoon issues statement following poppy row at Hampshire pubJD Wetherspoon has said there is no ban on customers wearing poppies after footage from a Hampshire pub sparked controversy.Basingstoke Gazette · 26 Oct, 15:56
• Wetherspoon issues statement after tense scenes at Gosport pub over poppyPub giant JD Wetherspoon has issued a statement saying there is no ban on Royal British Legion poppies at its venues after tense scenes in Gosport saw chants of "shame on you" in a heated row over entry.Southern Daily Echo · 26 Oct, 12:36

In this story: JD Wetherspoon · The Star · Gosport · Royal British Legion · George Madgwick · Reform UK

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