Wetherspoons issues new ‘poppy ban’ message after veteran refused entry

Wetherspoons has displayed notices in its pubs following a controversy that a British Army veteran reported being refused entry while wearing a poppy. JD Wetherspoon has rejected claims that it has banned Remembrance Day poppies, explaining that increased security protocols during local protests led to access restrictions in Hampshire over the weekend. In a video taken at The Star in Gosport, a doorman informed a man that he was unable to enter while wearing a poppy as it was “political” and told him to take it off or be refused admission.

The doorman can be heard telling the veteran: “Really sorry mate, you can’t come in with a poppy I’m afraid. It’s political.” When the customer maintained the symbol of remembrance was “not political at all,” the doorman responded: “I’m just doing my job.”

He subsequently explained that customers could only enter if they removed their poppies and put them in their pockets, cautioning: “Don’t put it on inside, because you’ll be asked to leave and they won’t serve you.”

The pub has now placed signs at the bar that reads: “In fact, Wetherspoon has not banned veterans wearing poppies. Wetherspoon is a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs.

“Last year, for example, the pubs raised £55,867 for the appeal. 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 reopened and Wetherspoon has apologised to customers for the inconvenience.”

Responding to the incident, Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin stated: “Wetherspoon is a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion and sells poppies on its behalf every year in the pubs.

“Wetherspoon never has, and never would, instruct its staff to turn away people because they are wearing poppies.”