Fury as Army veteran turned away from Wetherspoon pub for ‘wearing a poppy’

A British Army veteran was reportedly refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub for wearing a poppy. Footage has emerged on social media of the man approaching the boozer only to be turned away. He was told by staff that the poppy is “political” and that he would not be served while wearing it.

The incident is alleged to have unfolded at The Star, in Gosport, on Sunday afternoon (October 25). The town has become a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests, with 400 demonstrators marching through its streets this weekend to protest against small boat arrivals.

In footage shared on Facebook, the Spoons doorman said: “Really sorry mate, you can’t come in with a poppy I’m afraid. It’s political.” After the pubgoer insists it’s “not political at all,” he replies: “I’m just doing my job.”

He then explains how the man can enter the boozer if they take off their poppies and put them in their pockets. “But don’t put it on inside,” he continues. “Because you’ll be asked to leave and they won’t serve you.”

The footage was posted by Joe Standen, the Reform UK councillor for Paulsgrove, on the Spotted Pompey Facebook page. Separate footage was also shared by George Madgwick, Leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, on X.

Mr Standen told the Daily Express: “As a former Royal Marines Commando and current Councillor I am absolutely shocked and sickened to hear that an Army veteran has been refused entry into a Wetherspoons for wearing a poppy!

“Our servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice must never be treated as though their sacrifice is something to be embarrassed about or hidden away. This whole episode is shameful.”

Meanwhile, Mr Madgwick said on X: “VETERANS wearing a Poppy are BANNED from Wetherspoons WOW. Manager of Gosport Wetherspoons states it’s ‘Company policy’ not to allow anyone in with a Remembrance Poppy on, as it ‘could be political ’. I can’t believe what I just heard from our nation’s biggest pub chain. Veterans wearing a poppy are banned from Wetherspoons.”

Poppies are a symbol of remembrance to honour the members of the Armed Forces who served and sacrificed their lives in military conflicts. The tradition of wearing a poppy dates back to the aftermath of WWI.

There were further protests in Gosport this weekend, with anti-migrant protesters marching through the town, from the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) and towards the town square. It comes after migrants from two vessels arrived in Hampshire in recent months.

Previously, over 100 protesters gathered in the town following reports that migrants were being brought to the town. However, they were eventually diverted to Dover.

A Wetherspoon spokesperson said: “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.

“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.”