Claims a Coventry pub refused to serve a group of soldiers, before the funeral of one of their colleagues.
Corporal Michael Thacker, who was from Keresley, died in Afghanistan earlier this month and was laid to rest at Coventry Cathedral on Monday.
Before the service, six pall-bearers and their commanding officers went to get tea and coffee at Browns Independent Bar on Earl Street.
The soldiers were turned away, just because they were in uniform.
Michael’s wife, Catherine, has written that she is ‘horrified’ on Facebook:
“The lack of respect you have shown my husband, me and the lads yesterday will never be forgotten by the people in Coventry.”
More than 43,000 people have also joined a group called ‘Boycott browns in Coventry’ ‘https://www.facebook.com/groups/334164269991095/‘
Ken Brown, the owner of Browns Independent Bar, told Free Radio he has ‘apologised’ over the incident, but did not want to come on the radio.
He said that he had not been at the premises at the time and did not realise the funeral was taking place nearby.
He also confirmed that the pub had a policy of not serving people in uniform.
Mr Brown said that he had apologised to Corporal Thacker’s family, but admitted he had not been in contact with them.
It's a sad thing to turn away men who are in uniform. Even sadder the owner apologizing for it by saying he was not there at the time. The fact that he then stated it is policy NOT to serve those in uniform. Why, is it policy? If I were the area commander I would put his place off limits and then station a couple burly marines at the door to make sure ANY military person, in uniform or not, did not try to violate his policy. I would even place a sign outside stating just that.
ReplyDeleteRespect is gone :(
ReplyDeletewhat a disgrace.I can not belive what this wonderful country we live in. too deny our first class armed forces are giving there lifes to save our lifes from all theses pointless wars that we should not be involved in. they are all in a difficult job doing a difficult a wonderful thing stand back and look at all these military personnel who join the armed forces to defend the nation. i certainly admire them.love to you allxxx
ReplyDelete