Wetherspoon statement as pub ‘refuses to serve Reform UK supporters’ | Politics | News

Wetherspoon has issued a statement after Reform UK supporters were allegedly refused service at one of its pubs. The incident is believed to have happened at The Picture Palace in Braintree, Essex.

A video of a young staff member recorded by one of the people who claimed to have been rejected was published on social media. A man is heard asking the person behind the bar: “So we can’t drink, can we?” The staff then replied: “That’s up to me.”

A spokesman for the pub chain did not deny the group had been refused service, claiming “enthusiastic” supporters of Nigel Farage’s party were filming outside the pub and parked a car in the loading dock. They added that customers are asked to comply with licensing rules.

“Wetherspoon welcomes supporters of all political parties,” the spokesperson said. “In fact, Reform leaders regularly used our pubs in Clacton and Skegness.

“Politics can of course arouse strong emotions and we have asked all parties to use our pubs on a social rather than political basis to maintain good order and comply with licensing obligations.”

“In this case, enthusiastic Reform supporters were filming outside the pub and parked their buses in the pub’s loading dock.