Law on Wearing Union Jack in Public Clarified After Wetherspoons Incident

The law on wearing Union Jacks in public has been revealed after a Wetherspoons customer was turned away from a pub controversially. Tanya Ostolsk was denied service at her local pub, The Picture House in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon confirmed that the pub's manager had requested patrons not to enter with flags or placards, stating it was important not to increase tensions.

Spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: '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.'

Discussing a law for flying flags, a Government spokesperson said: 'There is no specific law against flying a flag from your vehicle. We would simply encourage motorists to use their common sense to ensure their vision of the road isn’t impaired, and that it doesn’t jeopardise the safety of other road users. We shouldn’t hide our national flags which are a source of pride and identity.'

The Flag Institute stipulates: 'No permission is needed to fly the national flags and they are excluded from most planning and advertising regulations (but flagpoles may not be). National flags should never be flown in a worn or damaged condition, or when soiled. To do so is to show disrespect for the nations they represent.'

It also has guidance for wearing the Union Jack on uniforms, adding: 'When flag shoulder patches are worn on uniforms the flag on the left shoulder or sleeve should show the obverse of the flag (ie. the flagpole at the wearer’s front). If there is a patch on the right shoulder or sleeve it should show the reverse of the flag (ie. still with the flagpole at the wearer’s front). If more than one flag is to be worn, the Union Flag should be at the top.'

Spoons, which operates pubs in Birmingham, has previously made headlines for its stance on flags. The chain faced criticism during the 2018 World Cup when its numerous outlets were told not to display England flags bearing the St George's Cross, or any other nation's colours, throughout the tournament.

According to the source: Birmingham Live.