Some Wetherspoon pubs have introduced clothing policies that ban customers from wearing hi-vis jackets and dirty work boots at certain times, prompting anger among pubgoers who say the restrictions target trade workers.
The notice has been spotted at The Conister Arms in Douglas, Isle of Man. Under the rules, customers are prohibited from wearing high-visibility vests after 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Customers react to the ban
The decision, which the chain said "keeps the venue clean and safe," has provoked criticism from pubgoers. "Imagine being told you can't go to spoons because you're in your work uniform," one customer fumed. "Bit of a snobbery issue here," another wrote.
A third said: "The hi viz coat is a badge of honour for an honest and hardworking lifestyle." Another Wetherspoon customer added: "What's wrong with hard working lads enjoying a pint at the end of their shift with their workmates? Can't see a problem."
However, some pubgoers supported the move. "Bring this in nationwide," said one punter. "Sounds respectful to me," another said.
Chain responds to criticism
A spokesperson for Wetherspoons told The Sun: "Builders and contractors are always welcome at Wetherspoon pubs. At some pubs near building sites, especially in the wetter months, we respectfully ask customers not to wear muddy boots or hi-vis jackets."
The statement follows widespread online backlash after footage circulated of a British Army veteran being refused entry to The Star, a Wetherspoon pub in Gosport. In the clip from October 25, a doorman told the man he could not enter wearing a poppy because it was "political" and instructed him to remove it or face being denied service inside.
Veteran incident and poppy appeal
Veteran Scott Schillemore said he was in "disbelief" after being refused entry in the pub, adding that the poppies are "a sign of respect for the fallen."
A spokesperson for the pub chain said Wetherspoon is a long-standing supporter of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and sells poppies in its pubs. Clarifying their stance, the pub said they raised £55,867 for the appeal last year.
