Wetherspoon lifts ban on England flags in pubs for Euro 2024

JD Wetherspoon, the popular pub chain commonly referred to as 'Spoons', has decided to lift a previously imposed ban on England flags being displayed in its establishments for Euro 2024. Having found itself at the core of a controversy over national pride back in 2018, Spoons was criticised on social media and branded 'petty' and 'unpatriotic'.

This followed a company-wide directive which asked all venues not to display the St George's Cross or indeed, the flags of any other nations participating during the World Cup. Instead of allowing staff to unfurl giant flags, the firm opted to distribute bunting that represented each of the 32 competing nations equally. The decision fell under heavy criticism at the time.

As reported by the Express, Eddie Gershon, a spokesperson for Wetherspoons, said: "We wouldn't want an England flag being put up in the heart of a pub by a staff member. Whether flags are put up in staff rooms is up to the discretion of the manager."

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Mr Gershon later explained to the i: "What we have said is the same as Christmas trees and decorations. We have sent this bunting to all our pubs, but staff can't go willy nilly adding anything they want to it."

According to him, the intention wasn't for individual pubs to arbitrarily put up extra flags resulting in one pub bearing a prominent England flag and another pub without one. Mr Gershon explained: "The bunting is what we want people to put out. If they want them to put up a flag they can but we aren't encouraging it."

Wetherspoons have now exclusively revealed to the Express that pubs will be 'free to display' England or Scotland flags in its pubs 'should they wish' for Euro 2024.

Mr Gershon said: "We want our pubs to be welcoming to all football fans and they will have bunting with the flags of all competing nations. Pubs are free to display Scottish and English flags as well, should they wish."

Following a law change, pubs including Spoons can serve customers until 1am during Euro 2024, thanks to an easing of usual licensing laws. The anticipated influx of football fans watching Gareth Southgate's team aim for victory is predicted to give a much-needed financial boost to UK pubs.

As part of plans for expansion, Wetherspoons is overseeing the construction of a £5m larger-than-average pub in Newcastle. The plans also include a 26-room hotel alongside the bar, which will expand on the existing Mile Castle Wetherspoons.