Wearing poppies in Wetherspoon pubs correction

Wetherspoon Press Release
Wednesday 27 October 2026

NEWS RELEASE – WEARING POPPIES IN WETHERSPOON PUBS CORRECTION

A highly misleading headline in the Daily Mail (26 October) says:
“Fury as Wetherspoon BANS veterans from entering if wearing a poppy”
In fact, Wetherspoon has not banned veterans wearing poppies.

Wetherspoon is a long- standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy
Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs.

Last year, for example, the pubs raised £55,867 for the appeal.

There was a demonstration in Gosport on Sunday, near Wetherspoon’s Star
pub and there were extra security measures in place.

Unfortunately, some poppy wearers, and other members of the public, were
refused entry.

On the advice of the police, the pub was closed for the rest of the day.
The pub has now re-opened and Wetherspoon has apologised to customers
for the inconvenience.

Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said:
“Wetherspoon is a longstanding supporter of the Royal British Legion and
sells poppies on its behalf every year in the pubs. Wetherspoon never has,
and never would, instruct its staff to turn away people because they are
wearing poppies.”