Veterans wearing remembrance poppies were denied entry to a Wetherspoon pub after staff reportedly classified the symbols as potentially “political”.
The group was stopped outside The Star in Gosport, Hampshire, on Sunday afternoon and asked to remove their poppies. They were dressed in ordinary clothing, with no party logos, flags or other political branding visible.
Councillor George Madgwick, leader of the Reform UK group on Hampshire County Council, said the group had gone to the pub for a drink after campaigning. He called the treatment “disgusting and shameful”.
Wetherspoon denied having a specific ban on poppies, explaining that extra security measures had been introduced because demonstrations were taking place in the town. However, the company acknowledged that some customers wearing poppies were among those refused entry.
Speaking to Our News Outlet, Mr Madgwick said: “A few of us were meeting at the pub after campaigning. We were wearing ordinary clothes, with no flags, party logos or political branding. A couple of the men were veterans wearing poppies.
“When we reached the door, security told us we could not come in wearing poppies and asked us to take them off. We were told that this was company policy.”
Footage appears to show a security guard explaining: “Anything that could be perceived as political, it’s a no. It’s blanket.
“That group down there, when they come down, if they’ve got pride flag badges, we will also be turning those away. It is blanket across the board.”
Security guards at the Wetherspoon pub in Gosport refused entry to veterans wearing remembrance poppies
The group had planned to stop for a drink after campaigning
“Today it is blanket. Anyone wearing anything that could be perceived [as political] — it is no. When they come down with badges, they will also be turned away. It’s fair for everybody, it’s blanket. Full stop.”
Mr Madgwick said the security staff and pub manager gave the same explanation. He added that he initially found the decision difficult to believe.
“The manager said they would take the same view if someone had a pride flag. I think that’s a completely different thing and an outrageous comparison to make,” he said.
“The poppy shouldn’t be political. Veterans and people who remember them come from every political persuasion, party and belief.”
The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, as an anti-immigration march and a separate counter-demonstration took place in Gosport.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary estimated that between 500 and 550 people attended the two events. Both demonstrations passed peacefully, with no arrests reported.
Mr Madgwick said the protests were around half a mile from the pub and maintained that nothing about the group’s clothing linked them to either gathering.
“There was a peaceful protest about half a mile away, and a counter-protest was also taking place,” he said.
FIND OUT MORE: Marissa Mayer Faces Backlash Over AI Use for Simple Assignment
“But the people at the pub weren’t carrying flags or banners, and there was nothing to indicate they were part of either protest.”
He said a crowd later gathered outside the pub, prompting police to attend the scene.
‘About half an hour later, a crowd gathered outside. A few police officers turned up because people were talking about the fact that they weren’t allowing people in with poppies,’ he said.
A local councillor described the group’s treatment as ‘disgusting and shameful’
He added: ‘I’m disgusted. The poppy should never be used as a political statement or as a reason to judge someone negatively.
‘It represents remembrance and respect for those who died serving our country and the Commonwealth. It is just shameful really that this has happened.’
Responding to the incident, Wetherspoon said: ‘There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs.’
The company said it had supported the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for many years and that poppies were being sold at The Star.
It attributed the entry restrictions to security arrangements surrounding the demonstrations, saying some customers, including people wearing poppies, had not gained entry while those measures were operating.
The pub subsequently closed to all customers at 5pm on police advice, with reopening planned for the following day. Wetherspoon apologised to regular customers inconvenienced by the events.
The company’s charity information says its pubs sell poppies and raise around £60,000 each year for the appeal.
The Royal British Legion describes the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance, support for the Armed Forces community and hope for a peaceful future.
Its guidance states: ‘The red poppy has no political or religious meaning and the decision to wear it is a matter of personal choice.’
Ahead of Sunday’s demonstrations, police had announced dispersal powers and restrictions on face coverings in designated areas, alongside conditions governing the march’s route and departure time.
The town has seen demonstrations over small-boat arrivals and plans to reopen the former Haslar Immigration Removal Centre.
The Home Office plans an initial refurbishment providing around 130 places, with a further phase potentially bringing capacity to around 600, subject to planning permission and other approvals.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have been approached for comment.
