# Wetherspoons pub ban on poppies sparks backlash

> Wetherspoons pub denied entry to veteran for wearing poppy after local protests.
- Title: Wetherspoons pub ban on poppies sparks backlash · LADbible
- Summary: Wetherspoons pub denied entry to veteran for wearing poppy after local protests. Wetherspoons closed its Gosport pub due to security measures during…
- Keywords: wetherspoons, poppy, remembrance day, gosport, anti-immigration protest, royal british legion, entertainment, culture, news, pub, ban, poppies
- Source: LADbible — https://ladbible.com/news/uk-news/viral-wetherspoons-video-poppy-response-gosport-uk-090207-20261026
- Published: 2026-10-26T13:24:50.742+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wetherspoons, poppy, remembrance day, gosport, anti-immigration protest, royal british legion, entertainment, culture, news
## Viral video shows poppy ban
Viral footage captured a doorman describing the poppy as 'political' in Gosport pub.

> That group down there - if they've got pride flag badges we'll also be turning them away. It's fair for everybody, it is blanket, full stop.
## Wetherspoons denies poppy ban
Wetherspoons says no blanket ban on poppies but some customers were turned away due to security measures.

> Wetherspoon has been a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, with poppies for sale in our pubs, including the Star.
## Veteran denied entry
Army veteran Scott Schillemore was told he couldn't enter pub despite serving in Army from 2009 to 2015.

> Wetherspoons still sells poppies, but we're not allowed to enter a pub with one? It's ludicrous.
## Reform councillor criticises
Reform councillor George Madgwick called Wetherspoons response 'shameful' for refusing veteran entry.

> 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!
## Pub closed early
Wetherspoons closed pub at 5pm on Sunday due to police advice after anti-immigration protests.

> The pub closed to all customers, on advice of the police, at 5pm and remains closed today.
## Protesters gather in Gosport
Around 400 anti-immigration protesters gathered in Gosport on Sunday with 100 counter-protesters.

> Around 400 people had gathered for an anti-immigration protest in Gosport the same day.
## Key takeaway

Wetherspoons closed its Gosport pub due to security measures during anti-immigration protests, despite having no poppy ban policy.