Wetherspoon Issues Statement After Army Veteran Was Turned Away From Pub for Wearing a Poppy, Revealing Why He Was Refused Entry

A former soldier was reportedly refused entry to a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport, Hampshire, because he was wearing a remembrance poppy. A video showing the man being stopped by security staff has spread across social media, leaving many people angry and questioning why he was not allowed inside.

The incident is believed to have happened on Sunday afternoon, October 25, at The Star pub in Gosport. It happened on the same day that hundreds of people took part in an anti-immigration protest in the town.

In the video, the man can be heard speaking to a security worker outside the pub. The worker explains that the pub has introduced a rule against anything that could be seen as political.

The security worker tells him that even though the poppy may not be political, some people could see it that way.

He says: “It’s blanket, anything that could, not saying it is, but could be perceived as political, is no.”

The man appears surprised by the explanation and argues that wearing a poppy has nothing to do with politics.

However, the security worker refuses to change his decision.

He tells the man: “Really sorry mate, you can’t come in with a poppy I’m afraid. It’s political.”

When the man insists that the poppy is not political, the worker replies: “I’m just doing my job.”

The security worker then explains that the man would be allowed to enter the pub if he removed his poppy and kept it inside his pocket.

However, he warns him not to put it back on once inside because staff could ask him to leave and refuse to serve him.

The worker also explains that the same rule would apply to other symbols that could be linked to political groups or movements.

He gives an example of people wearing Pride flag badges, saying they would also be refused entry under the temporary security rules.

The video quickly attracted attention after it was shared on Facebook by Joe Standen, a Reform UK councillor for Paulsgrove.

Another video was shared on X by George Madgwick, the Reform UK leader in Hampshire.

Mr Standen, who previously served in the Royal Marines, strongly criticised what happened.

He said he was shocked and upset that an Army veteran had reportedly been stopped from entering a pub simply because he was wearing a poppy.

He 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!”

He added that British soldiers who lost their lives serving their country should always be remembered and respected.

According to him, people should never be made to feel ashamed of wearing something that honours those who died in military service.

Mr Madgwick also criticised the incident on social media, questioning why a remembrance poppy was being treated as something political.

He claimed that veterans were being banned from Wetherspoon pubs for wearing poppies.

However, Wetherspoon has rejected claims that it has introduced a ban on poppies across its pubs.

A spokesperson for the company explained that Wetherspoon has supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for many years.

The company said poppies are normally sold inside its pubs, including The Star in Gosport.

The spokesperson made it clear that there is no general rule stopping customers from wearing poppies in Wetherspoon pubs.

However, the company explained that special security measures had been introduced because of demonstrations taking place in Gosport that day.

According to Wetherspoon, these measures affected some customers who wanted to enter the pub, including people wearing poppies.

The company said: “There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs.”

It added that the restrictions were connected to the protests in the town rather than a permanent company policy.

Wetherspoon also confirmed that the pub was closed to all customers at 5pm following advice from the police.

The company apologised to regular customers who were affected and said it hoped to welcome everyone back the following day.

The incident happened during a weekend of protests in Gosport over the arrival of migrants in Hampshire.

Around 400 anti-immigration protesters reportedly marched through the town on Sunday, with demonstrations taking place around the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre and the town centre.

The protests followed reports of migrants arriving in Hampshire by boat in recent months.

Earlier demonstrations had also taken place after reports that migrants could be brought to Gosport, although some were later diverted to Dover.

Police were present during the demonstrations to help maintain order and prevent trouble between different groups.

The poppy worn by the veteran is widely recognised across Britain as a symbol of remembrance.

Every year, many people wear red poppies in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to honour members of the Armed Forces who died during wars and other conflicts.

The tradition began after the First World War and has continued for more than 100 years.

Poppies are also used to raise money for the Royal British Legion, which supports serving military personnel, veterans and their families.

For many people, wearing a poppy is simply a way of showing respect to those who served and lost their lives.

The video has now raised questions about how pubs and other public places should handle security during protests, particularly when restrictions affect people wearing symbols of remembrance.

While Wetherspoon insists there is no ban on poppies in its pubs, the footage shows that the man was told to remove his poppy before he could enter The Star that afternoon.

The company maintains that the restrictions were temporary and were introduced because of the demonstrations taking place nearby.