Why give the bar grief? The rules are quite clear on HM Forces being on licensed premises in uniform regardless of the occasion. I've attended Military Funerals and wakes and as a group we changed into civilian clothes in order to enter licensed premises.
Why couldn't the Borough have arranged with the British Legion to host the soldiers at a private function not in a public bar? A function approved by the Chain of Command. It would have saved all the hassle.
'0113.
Occasion on which uniform is NOT to be worn.
b. Visits to licensed premises (including when not consuming alcohol), except when specifically approved by the Chain of Command.'
I would suggest that it is another example of certain journalists spinning a story. I would suggest that there were no 'outraged soldiers', but purley outraged members of the public who are unaware of the rules and regs governing uniform in licensed premises. Watch the story take on a life of its own in other media outlets.