A newlywed Bolton couple say their holiday was ruined after they were “thrown out” of a Wetherspoons pub for taking in their medical assistance dog.

Pete Hopkinson and wife Wendy had travelled to Southport earlier this month after a busy summer that included their commitment ceremony and several fundraising activities.

But they say their holiday was marred after visiting the Sir Henry Segrave JD Wetherspoon pub on Lord Street to enjoy a meal with their assistance dog Princess Pink Hopkinson.

Mr Hopkinson, from Kearsley, said: “It was our first chance to get away  since the commitment ceremony.

“We ate in the Spoons the night before and it was fine, there was no issue.

Pete Hopkinson says he and Wendy's holiday was ruinedPete Hopkinson says he and Wendy's holiday was ruined (Image: Pete Hopkinson)

“We then went for a wander through Southport and the next day we went back to have something to eat in the Spoons.”

He added: “The manager then came over and said: ‘you can’t have that dog in here.’

“I said ‘that’s an assistance dog mate’, I handed him a card that says she’s an assistance dog.”

Mr Hopkinson has been well known in the borough for his work as a blogger with Bolton Live and for his charitable fundraising.

In September he took part in a Bolton Wanderers Community Charity Abseil event in aid of Farnworth and Kearsley Food Bank.

He says he tried to explain why he needed Princess Pink with him.

Mr Hopkinson said: “Princess is the nicest dog in the world, she’s trained to respond to what’s happening with me, with my mental health.

“She helps me connect with the rest of the world.”

But he says despite this, the manager told him and his wife they would have to leave and cancelled their order.

Mr Hopkinson said: “Southport all over was perfectly fine with the dog, the only place I had any trouble was Wetherspoon.

“It just feels like our holiday was completely ruined by Spoons staff who just don’t care, really.”

But the company says that staff followed their normal procedure. 

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A JD Wetherspoon spokesperson said: “For many years, we have not permitted dogs or other animals in Wetherspoon pubs.

“Exceptions are made for trained guide dogs and other types of assistance dog. We do not however allow entry to emotional support dogs.

“On this occasion, it was not clear that the customer’s dog was an assistance dog.

“The company’s policy was explained to the customer, and he was politely asked not to bring his dog to the pub.”