Veterans were reportedly denied entry to a Wetherspoon pub after staff classified their remembrance poppies as potentially “political”.
The group was stopped outside The Star in Gosport, Hampshire, on Sunday afternoon and asked to remove the poppies before going inside. They were wearing everyday clothing, with no party logos, flags or other political symbols on display.
Councillor George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, said the group had planned to have a drink after campaigning. He described the incident as “disgusting and shameful” in comments to the Daily Mail.
Wetherspoon rejected suggestions that it had introduced a ban on poppies, saying enhanced security arrangements were in place because of demonstrations in the town. However, the company acknowledged that some customers wearing poppies had been refused entry.
Speaking to the Mail, Cllr Madgwick said the group had not been displaying any political material. “A few of us were meeting at the pub after campaigning. We were wearing ordinary clothes, with no flags, party logos or political branding. A couple of the men were veterans wearing poppies,” he said.
“When we reached the door, security told us we couldn’t come in wearing poppies and asked us to take them off. We were told it was company policy.”
In footage of the exchange, a security guard can be heard saying: “Anything that could be perceived as political, it’s a no. It’s blanket.”
The guard added that customers wearing Pride flag badges would also be refused entry, saying the approach applied “across the board”.
Security guards at a Wetherspoons in Gosport refused entry to veterans because they were wearing poppies
The group had planned to visit the pub for a drink after campaigning
“Today it is blanket. Anyone wearing anything that could be perceived [as political] is a no. When they come down with badges, they will also be turned away. It’s fair for everybody, it’s blanket. Full stop,” the guard said.
Cllr Madgwick said the security team and the pub manager offered the same justification. He said he initially found the explanation difficult to believe.
“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,” he said.
“The poppy shouldn’t be political. Veterans and people who remember them come from every political persuasion, party and belief.”
The dispute unfolded on Sunday, October 25, as an anti-immigration march and a separate counter-demonstration took place in Gosport.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary estimated that between 500 and 550 people attended the two events. Local reports said both demonstrations passed peacefully, with no arrests made.
Cllr Madgwick said the protests were around half a mile from the pub and maintained that nothing about the group’s clothing linked them to either gathering.
“There was a peaceful protest about half a mile away, and a counter-protest was also taking place,” he said.
CONTINUE READING: Trump Unloads on Bill Maher in 1,300-Word Truth Social Post
“But the people at the pub weren’t carrying flags or banners, and there was nothing to indicate they were part of either protest.”
He said a crowd later gathered outside the pub, prompting police to attend the scene.
‘About half an hour later, a crowd gathered outside. A few police officers turned up because people were talking about the fact that they weren’t allowing people in with poppies,’ he said.
A local councillor described the group’s treatment as ‘disgusting and shameful’
He added: ‘I’m disgusted. The poppy should never be used as a political statement or as a reason to judge someone negatively.
‘It represents remembrance and respect for those who died serving our country and the Commonwealth. It is just shameful really that this has happened.’
Responding to the incident, Wetherspoon said: ‘There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs.’
The company said it had supported the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for many years and that poppies were being sold at The Star.
It attributed the entry restrictions to security arrangements surrounding the demonstrations, saying some customers, including people wearing poppies, had not gained entry while those measures were operating.
The pub subsequently closed to all customers at 5pm on police advice, with reopening planned for the following day. Wetherspoon apologised to regular customers inconvenienced by the events.
The company’s charity information says its pubs sell poppies and raise around £60,000 each year for the appeal.
The Royal British Legion describes the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance, support for the Armed Forces community and hope for a peaceful future.
Its guidance states: ‘The red poppy has no political or religious meaning and the decision to wear it is a matter of personal choice.’
Ahead of Sunday’s demonstrations, police had announced dispersal powers and restrictions on face coverings in designated areas, alongside conditions governing the march’s route and departure time.
The town has seen demonstrations over small-boat arrivals and plans to reopen the former Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
The Home Office plans an initial refurbishment providing around 130 places, with a further phase potentially bringing capacity to around 600, subject to planning permission and other approvals.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have been approached for comment.