Demand accountability from J D Wetherspoon
The Issue
My grandad bravely served in World War II, fighting alongside countless others to protect our freedoms. His courage and sacrifice, like that of many veterans, are honoured and remembered through the symbolic wearing of poppies—an emblem of remembrance and respect for those who fought valiantly for our country's future.
However, I was deeply shocked and offended when a veteran, along with several others wearing poppies, were denied entry to The Star, a J D Wetherspoon pub in Gosport. The door staff reportedly claimed that the poppies were political symbols, overlooking the profound significance they hold as a tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans like my grandad.
This action is not only disrespectful but also undermines the efforts of all those who have strived to safeguard our values and way of life. For years, poppies have stood as a national symbol of remembrance and a token of gratitude towards our brave soldiers. Discriminating against individuals for honouring this age-old tradition disregards the very essence of what these symbols represent.
We call upon J D Wetherspoon's head office to acknowledge this grave oversight. It is imperative that the company takes immediate disciplinary action and ensures comprehensive retraining for the door staff at The Star in Gosport. A formal apology to the Royal British Legion is essential to mend the damage caused to the community's trust.
Furthermore, to demonstrate meaningful contrition and support for our veterans, J D Wetherspoon should make a substantial donation to a veterans' charity or the Poppy Appeal. This gesture would help reaffirm the company’s commitment to honouring the contributions of our servicemen and women.
Let us stand together to protect the dignity of those who have served and sacrificed for us. We urge you to join in this appeal to J D Wetherspoon to restore respect and community values. Sign this petition and show your support for our veterans and their families.
I think that we should call on J D Wetherspoon’s head office to take disciplinary action, retrain door staff at The Star in Gosport, or issue a formal apology to the Royal British Legion and demand that the company make a substantial donation to a veterans' charity or the Poppy Appeal as a token of their apology
7
The Issue
My grandad bravely served in World War II, fighting alongside countless others to protect our freedoms. His courage and sacrifice, like that of many veterans, are honoured and remembered through the symbolic wearing of poppies—an emblem of remembrance and respect for those who fought valiantly for our country's future.
However, I was deeply shocked and offended when a veteran, along with several others wearing poppies, were denied entry to The Star, a J D Wetherspoon pub in Gosport. The door staff reportedly claimed that the poppies were political symbols, overlooking the profound significance they hold as a tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans like my grandad.
This action is not only disrespectful but also undermines the efforts of all those who have strived to safeguard our values and way of life. For years, poppies have stood as a national symbol of remembrance and a token of gratitude towards our brave soldiers. Discriminating against individuals for honouring this age-old tradition disregards the very essence of what these symbols represent.
We call upon J D Wetherspoon's head office to acknowledge this grave oversight. It is imperative that the company takes immediate disciplinary action and ensures comprehensive retraining for the door staff at The Star in Gosport. A formal apology to the Royal British Legion is essential to mend the damage caused to the community's trust.
Furthermore, to demonstrate meaningful contrition and support for our veterans, J D Wetherspoon should make a substantial donation to a veterans' charity or the Poppy Appeal. This gesture would help reaffirm the company’s commitment to honouring the contributions of our servicemen and women.
Let us stand together to protect the dignity of those who have served and sacrificed for us. We urge you to join in this appeal to J D Wetherspoon to restore respect and community values. Sign this petition and show your support for our veterans and their families.
I think that we should call on J D Wetherspoon’s head office to take disciplinary action, retrain door staff at The Star in Gosport, or issue a formal apology to the Royal British Legion and demand that the company make a substantial donation to a veterans' charity or the Poppy Appeal as a token of their apology
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 8 November 2026