Gurkha's fury over restaurant flag ban

A former Gurkha has been banned from flying his regimental flag above his restaurant – but told he can hoist the EU emblem.

Asbahadur Gurung, 70, served 28 years with the British Army and wanted to display his former colours above his eatery called The Gurkha.



Councillors ruled the green and white insignia was a form of advertising and could distract drivers – yet said he was free to run up the flag of any other nation or the European Union.

Asbahadur, a captain whose dad Mambahadur fought with the Gurkhas in World War Two, is outraged by the ruling. He said: “I don’t understand.



"I thought people would appreciate the flag. I don’t want the EU’s. I didn’t fight for the EU.”

Asbahadur opened his diner in Wareham, Dorset, last year and sought permission from Purbeck District Council to fly the Gurkha flag and a Union Jack on two 15ft poles. He received no objections from neighbouring residents but his application was refused.