Wetherspoon 'stops woman wearing Union Jack Dress from entering'

A Wetherspoon pub in Nottinghamshire has reportedly denied entry to a woman wearing a Union Flag dress, and has told other punters with a Union flag or a St George's cross that they can't come in. Tanya Ostolski walked through the protesters, saying she had been refused a drink at her local pub, The Picture House in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The incident allegedly occurred as people gathered in the streets to protest amid claims from Lee Anderson MP that an asylum seeker had been charged with rape. The claims made by the Reform MP have not been verified. Speaking about the incident, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told The Express: " Pub managers have a duty under the licensing laws, and as a matter of common sense, to judge every situation on its particular circumstances. In this case, the pub manager felt that it was important not to increase tensions Therefore, on this occasion the manager asked customers not to enter with flags or any placards."

After about two hours of protesting that began at 4.30 pm., the crowd ended up back just 50 metres from the pub. By 7 pm., most people had left the area. Tanya, 54, who lives in the town, says she was initially refused entry due to having a St George's cross flag, but still wasn't allowed in after putting it away in her bag, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

She said: "I go in there all the time and they refused entry. They didn't let me in with my flag (separate from the dress), the flag is the English flag, so why shouldn't I be allowed to have an English flag?

"It's our flag, it's our nation's flag. I wasn't being aggressive or anything I didn't get lairy or anything. I put the flag back in my bag, and they said I can't come in because of my dress.

"They kept refusing me. I'm probably going to get barred now. They just said Tanya, you're not coming in. I feel absolutely disgusted, why should I be refused entry for wearing a dress or a flag?"

The incident comes days after a schoolgirl was thrown into isolation just for wearing a Union Flag dress to celebrate being British at her school's culture day.

Straight-A student Courtney Wright, 12, wore a Spice Girls-esque dress and wrote a piece about history and traditions as part of the celebrations last Friday. However, she was told the dress was "unacceptable" - and was then hauled out of lessons and forced to sit in reception until her dad collected her.

Courtney's dad, Stuart Field, 47, said he was stunned at the Bilton School, in Rugby, Warwickshire's decision to remove his daughter, due to what she was wearing.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage, drawing attention from all corners-including a response from the Prime Minister's spokesperson, who addressed the unfolding situation.

They said: "I think the school has put out a statement on this so I'm not going to comment further, but the Prime Minister has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated."

A spokesman for Stowe Valley Trust said: "At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included.

"On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community. We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.

"We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.

"As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all."

Courtney's dad, Stuart Field, 47, said he was stunned at the Bilton School, in Rugby, Warwickshire's decision to remove his daughter, due to what she was wearing.