Wetherspoons Denies Poppy Ban After Veterans Report Being Denied Entry

A Wetherspoon pub in Gosport, Hampshire, reportedly denied entry to veterans wearing remembrance poppies, with staff citing company policy and political concerns. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, amidst anti-immigration marches and counter-demonstrations in the town.

Councillor George Madgwick, who leads the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, stated that he and other members, including veterans, were asked to remove their poppies before entering The Star pub. He described the treatment as "disgusting and shameful," emphasizing that the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and should not be considered political.

"The poppy shouldn't be political. Veterans and people who remember them come from every political persuasion, party, and belief," Madgwick told the Daily Mail.

Wetherspoon has denied operating a ban on poppies. A spokesperson for the pub chain said that while some customers wearing poppies were among those refused entry, this was due to enhanced security measures implemented because of demonstrations in the area. The company noted that its pubs have supported the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal for many years and that poppies were being sold at The Star.

The pub chain acknowledged that the entry restrictions were in place during the time security arrangements were active and that the pub subsequently closed to all customers at 5 p.m. on police advice. Wetherspoon apologized for any inconvenience caused to regular customers.

The Royal British Legion states that the red poppy has no political or religious meaning and that the decision to wear it is a personal choice, symbolizing remembrance and support for the Armed Forces community.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary estimated that between 500 and 550 people attended the demonstrations, which took place about half a mile from the pub. The demonstrations reportedly concluded without incident and without any arrests.

The town of Gosport has recently seen demonstrations related to small-boat arrivals and plans to reopen the former Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.