A Wetherspoon in Essex is facing criticism after a video showed a manager refusing to serve Reform UK supporters.
‘I can’t have a drink,’ the man filming says. ‘Because you’re deciding that?’
The Braintree Wetherspoon employee replies: ‘I’ve decided, yes.’
‘So you’re refusing to serve Reform supporters?’ another man asks. The employee said he wouldn’t serve them before thanking them.
Wetherspoon has since spoken out after the video went viral and sparked outrage from Reform supporters.
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A spokesperson said: ‘Wetherspoon welcomes supporters of all political parties. In fact, the leaders of Reform have regularly used our pubs in Clacton and Skegness.
‘Politics can obviously raise strong emotions, and we have asked all parties to use our pubs on a social basis, rather than a political one, to maintain good order and comply with licensing obligations.’
They added: ‘In this case, enthusiastic Reform supporters were filming outside the pub and parked their bus in the pub’s loading bay. As indicated, Reform supporters and other political supporters are welcome.’
The manager’s actions have angered thousands online, with one Essex Reform supporter writing: ‘Absolutely disgusting. I’d sack him.’
Another person vowed to boycott Wetherspoon, with many tagging Tim Martin, the owner of the pub chain, and urging him to take action.
Just days ago, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared a scathing post on X, calling a postman who allegedly binned Reform flyers ‘disturbing’.
A post on a Facebook group for Royal Mail staff said: ‘My DO had reform party’s D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!’
It was shared in a private 30,000-member Facebook group called Royal Mail Chat, which is open to Royal Mail employees and partners, as well as members of the Communication Workers Union – a trade union covering postal delivery workers.
A Reform UK legal representative wrote a letter of complaint to Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, that said the screenshot was circulated on or around Saturday.
Farage said on X: ‘It is right that @RoyalMail has launched a full investigation into this allegation.
‘If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.’
Royal Mail issued a statement saying it ‘plays a crucial role in elections’, adding: ‘We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail.
‘We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.’
Reform demanded an immediate and thorough internal investigation within three days of its letter, dated Saturday, and a full written explanation.
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