Wetherspoons confirms ‘poppy ban’ rules after veteran refused entry

Wetherspoons has strongly denied claims that veterans wearing Remembrance Day poppies are banned from its pubs after a veteran was reportedly left “battled” after being refused entry. The statement follows widespread online backlash after footage circulated of a British Army veteran being refused entry to The Star in Gosport on Sunday afternoon (October 25). In the clip, a doorman told the man he could not enter wearing a poppy because it was “political” and instructed him to remove it or face being denied service inside. It came as about 400 anti-migrant protesters staged a march, which Schillemore said he had not attended, through the town.

A spokesperson for the popular pub chain said “Wetherspoon” is a long- standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs. Clarifying their stance the pub said they raised £55,867 for the appeal last year.

The statement added: “There was a demonstration in Gosport on Sunday, near Wetherspoon’s Star pub and there were extra security measures in place.

“Unfortunately, some poppy wearers, and other members of the public, were “refused entry.

“On the advice of the police, the pub was closed for the rest of the day. The pub has now re-opened and Wetherspoon has apologised to customers for the inconvenience.”

Veteran Scott Schillemore said he was in “disbelief” after being refused entry in the pub adding that the poppies are “a sign of respect for the fallen”.

Mr Standen, a former Royal Marines Commando, told the 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.”

Poppies are worn each year to mark Remembrance events and commemorate those who died in the first and second world wars and other conflicts.

The Royal British Legion distributes over 30 million poppies each year, and last year raised £56.6million for the Armed Forces community.