J D WETHERSPOON DENIES POPPY BAN AT GOSPORT PUB

J D Wetherspoon has denied banning poppies from its pubs after footage appeared to show a man wearing one refused entry to The Star in Gosport, Hampshire. In the video, a member of door staff appears to tell the man he could enter only if he removed the poppy. The man was described as an Army veteran. The exchange appeared to take place on Sunday afternoon at the pub on High Street.

J D Wetherspoon said it had introduced temporary security measures because demonstrations were taking place in Gosport. A spokesperson said: “There is no ban on poppies in Wetherspoon pubs.” The company said it has long supported the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies at The Star. It said some members of the public, including people wearing poppies, did not gain entry on Sunday.

Over the weekend, protesters opposing the arrival of migrants marched from the Haslar Immigration Removal Centre towards the town square. More than 100 protesters had gathered in Gosport on an earlier occasion following reports that migrants would be brought to the area. The people due to be brought to the area were eventually diverted to Dover. J D Wetherspoon described the measures it introduced during Sunday's demonstrations as standard security arrangements.