In late October, a veteran was denied entry to The Star pub in Gosport. The individual was told by a doorman, "Really sorry mate, you can't come in with a poppy I'm afraid. It's political." This incident, which occurred on October 25, 2026, was followed by reports the next day of veterans being denied entry to Wetherspoons pubs, sparking widespread online backlash and political outcry.
JD Wetherspoon has clarified that there is no ban on poppies in its pubs. A spokesperson stated, "Wetherspoon has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppies for sale in our pubs, including The Star. There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs." The company explained that the entry restrictions at The Star were due to standard security measures in place following local protests.
🚨📰 Wetherspoon has finally spoken out about the anger surrounding the poppy ban after a veteran was turned away. A spokesperson for Wetherspoon clarified the chain's established policy and explained the context of the day's policing operations: ‘Wetherspoon has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppies for sale in our pubs, including The Star. There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs. However, there were some standard security measures in place today, as a result of demonstrations in the town. Unfortunately, some members of the public, including some wearing poppies, did not gain entry to the pub. The pub closed to all customers, on advice of the police, at 1700 and remains closed today. We apologise to any regular customers who have been inconvenienced by today’s events and look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow."
The incident has drawn significant attention, with a local councillor criticising the company's stance. While the company maintains that there is no ban on poppies, the initial reports led to protests and a broader debate regarding the treatment of veterans at these establishments. The situation remains a point of contention as the public reacts to the conflicting accounts of the events at The Star.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with a local councillor criticising the company's stance.