The pub company insisted there was no ban on veterans wearing poppies, but said it had been reacting to an anti-immigration protest in the town on Sunday.
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As a result it put extra security in place, and some customers were turned away as a precaution.
‘Political statement’
Veteran Scott Schillemore, from Portsmouth, told reporters that staff at pub told him anything that could be interpreted as “a political statement” was not allowed.
“Unfortunately, some poppy wearers, and other members of the public, were refused entry,” the pub company said.
“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 said it is a long- standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs.
Last year it said its pubs raised £55,687 for the appeal.
