Veteran who lost a friend in Afghanistan vows never to return to Wetherspoons after Gosport pub barred his 'political' poppy
A Remembrance poppy pin badge like those Scott Schillemore says got him barred from a Gosport Wetherspoons, which still sells poppies inside.A Gosport Wetherspoons pub manager, filmed speaking to customers, explains the 'blanket' policy under which Pride flag badges would also be refused entry.
Scott Schillemore, 33, a former Royal Artillery gunner and dad-of-three from Portsmouth, says a doorman at The Star told him: 'You're wearing a poppy, you're not coming in.' Every Remembrance Sunday he raises a glass in Wetherspoons to absent friends. The Star sells poppies itself. Wetherspoon denies any ban and blames security measures during a 400-strong anti-migrant march.
Footage shows a staff member saying Pride badges would also be turned away.
Reform councillor and ex-Royal Marine Joe Standen called the episode 'shameful'.
The pub closed to all customers at 5pm on police advice.
