Wetherspoons has firmly denied that there is any prohibition on poppy-wearers entering its pubs, following the emergence of footage apparently showing an Army veteran being turned away because the Remembrance symbol was considered ‘political’.
The pub chain confirmed it had introduced temporary security measures in Gosport amid protests in the town, after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing a doorman refusing entry to a veteran wearing a poppy at The Star pub.
In the clip, the veteran, who is recording the exchange, is reportedly informed by a member of security staff that the poppy is “political” and that he would not be permitted inside while wearing it, according to the Daily Express.
A Wetherspoon spokesperson was clear that no such ban exists for those wearing poppies.
“Wetherspoon has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppies for sale in our pubs, including the Star. There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs,” the statement read.
“However there were some standard security measures in place today, as a result of demonstrations in the town. Unfortunately, some members of the public, including some wearing poppies, did not gain entry to the pub.
“The pub closed to all customers, on advice of the police, at 1700 and remains closed today. We apologise to any regular customers who have been inconvenienced by today’s events and look to forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow.”
Source – Wales Online
