Controversy is brewing at a Halifax pub after online ads for cheap food and booze featured the poppy.
Maxwell’s Plum, located in downtown Halifax, posted online advertisements using the red flower to promote their deals for Remembrance Day.
Brett Martin follows the pub on Facebook and noticed the ad.
“Right away it left a bad taste in my mouth,” said Martin. “I found it a disrespectful approach to a holiday that really isn't a holiday. It's a day of remembrance. A day to honour fallen heroes.”
Maritn left comments on the advertisement but they were deleted by the pub. He says he followed up with a private message only to get a flippant remark back.
“I really didn't like that because I was trying to bring to their attention an issue and something that is really near and dear to my heart,” said Martin.
The sacred symbol is owned by the Royal Canadian Legion and isn't approved for commercial use.
“It is the symbol of remembrance for the 117,000 Canadians who gave their lives to the freedoms we have today,” said Bill Maxwell, secretary of the Poppy and Remembrance Committee.
Many community members weren’t pleased with the ads either.
“If the purpose is not to draw attention to it but to advertise then I am not too keen on it,” said one resident.
“It is using something pretty sacred for commercial purposes,” said another.
Although the owner or manager of Maxwell's Plum wouldn't comment, the ads changed Tuesday afternoon. The deals will still be offered, but the poppy is no longer part of the promotion.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.
