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Major UK Pub Chain Under Fire as Customers 'Refused Entry' for Wearing Poppies
Wetherspoon said 500 to 550 people attended nearby demonstrations and that some customers wearing poppies were refused entry under extra security measures.
- On Sunday, October 25, veterans were refused entry to The Star in Gosport, Hampshire, for wearing remembrance poppies after staff deemed the symbol "too political" and cited company policy.
- Anti-Immigration protests drew between 500 and 550 demonstrators to the town on Sunday, according to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, though the veterans maintained they were meeting after separate campaigning unrelated to the march.
- JD Wetherspoon denied operating a poppy ban, stating security measures were implemented for the demonstrations, and a spokesperson emphasized the chain is a "long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal."
- The pub closed to all customers at 1700, citing police advice, but the force denied requesting the closure, stating no offences were identified and the group dispersed on their own.
- Describing the treatment as "disgusting and shameful," Reform UK councillor George Madgwick, who was among those denied entry, joined veterans in expressing shock and vowing to boycott the chain.
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24 Articles
Wetherspoon issues statement after tense scenes at Gosport pub over poppy
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has issued a statement saying there is no ban on Royal British Legion poppies at its venues after tense scenes in Gosport saw chants of "shame on you" in a heated row over entry.
·Southampton, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left1Leaning Right4Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
C 76%
R 19%
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