Wetherspoons to 'close' pubs to the EDL
Last Updated on Thursday, 18 February 2010 05:00 Tuesday, 16 February 2010 14:15
One of Britain's largest pub chains, J.D. Wetherspoon, has said that in future they would 'close the pub rather than inadvertently becoming host' to the English Defence League. This decision comes after recent events in Stoke, and follows a campaign by anti-racists determined to ensure that what 'looked like a scene from a beer hall in Germany at the time of Hitler' will never be allowed to happen again in Britain.
Last month Stoke police asked the Wetherspoon Pub to 'allow' the English Defence League (EDL) supporters to meet before their protest march on 23rd January. The EDL rally in Wetherspoon has been seen by thousands on You Tube.
Those who assembled in the pub in Hanley that Saturday were not there to enjoy a pint before the game. There was no football match to watch that day. Many of the men who 'drank Wetherspoon dry', were under police supervision, and were from rival gangs of violent football hooligans. Usually they fight each other, that day their fight was against the local community.
In Stoke the EDL supporters attacked shops and the people who worked in them, cars were turned over, they even attacked the police who responded with tear gas. The local taxi firm closed for business that Saturday night fearful of the safety of their multi racial workforce. A local mosque was daubed with racist graffiti pronouncing 'Islam Scum'.
"After hearing of what happened in Stoke, I searched the internet and saw the You Tube video of the happened in Wetherspoon. Me and my mates often go to their pubs', explained Mark Krantz from Manchester. "I have even taken my mum to one branch, they serve a decent pint, and the fish and chips are good.
'When I saw the EDL rally in Wetherspoon it looked like a scene from a beer hall in Germany at the time of Hitler. A chill went down my back. I wrote to Wetherspoon to complain, lots of people did. I was so pleased when I got a letter from them saying in future they would close their pub to the EDL."
Campaigners from Unite Against Fascism, along with local anti racist campaigners are preparing for a national protest against the EDL in Bolton on 20th March.
Text from Wetherspoons' letter
11th Feb 2010
Dear Mr ..........
Thank you for your webform. We were most concerned to note your comments regarding the EDL meeting in our pub in Henly.
Previously, and on this occasion we have been asked by the police to allow people to meet due to the size of our establishments and their reputation for being well managed pubs. In such circumstances we have been obliged to comply, however, we are concerned that some customers have interpreted our approach of Police co operation as evidence of the Company holding a specific political standpoint.
Given the feedback that I have received we have taken the decision to review our approach to future police requests. I can confirm that going forwards it will be our preference to close the pub rather than inadvertently becoming host to such an event.
I trust that this explains our previous and future position and I do hope that you will consider returning to our pubs again and in the future.
Yours sincerely
Katy ..........
JD Weatherspoons