The Three Lions pub in Bedminster is a pub I am hardly likely to visit. It’s the number one City supporters pub. Despite my waining interest in Bristol Rovers, my loyalties remain across the river. Today I wouldn’t be allowed in anyway because I am not wearing a poppy.
The landlord has declared that people will not be served unless they wear a poppy. Sean Donnelly, for it is he, has according to the Bristol Post “long been passionate about supporting Remembrance Day.” Well, good for him. So am I and the only reason I am not wearing a poppy today is because I lost the one I bought within a few hours of buying it. I’ve been wearing my numbered Shrouds of the Somme badge instead, which cost me a fiver. That wouldn’t be enough to get me a pint.
It’s up to the landlord what rules he imposes in his pub. However, I think there is an element of danger in what has happened.
Surely, those who gave their lives did so for us to be free. And freedom means we can choose. If we choose not to wear a poppy or lose theirs, like I did, that’s surely okay. As a libertarian, I don’t like to be told what to do by anyone.
