MONTREAL — A 76-year-old war veteran barred from distributing poppies at a Quebec supermarket was back Thursday after the grocery store revoked the eviction.

Tom Mullin, a Korean war vet whose brother died in the war, was told Wednesday there was no longer room for his poppy table in the Provigo grocery store. He was asked to leave the premises in the Montreal neighbourhood of Verdun.

But Provigo spokeswoman Josee Bedard said the decision was quickly reversed when it was realized how upset veterans were.

"We invited them to continue.... this (Thursday) morning,'' Bedard said.

She said the company supports the annual campaign and invites veterans to distribute Remembrance Day poppies in its stores.

"There was never any hesitation in supporting this veteran initiative and we deeply respect their contribution,'' she added.

The Verdun store, which has limited space in its entry after recent renovations, permitted Mullin to hand out poppies for five days before asking him to leave, suggesting he had probably covered most customers.

Bedard said the company, a member of the Loblaw Group, did not anticipate how unpopular the decision would be until it sat down with veterans.

"We wish to ensure veterans of our support,'' she said.

Mullin returned to the store, armed with the iconic red flowers. Bedard said he'll be welcome until the poppy campaign ends next week.

"He's back in the store,'' said Stan Kircoff, poppy manager for the Verdun legion.

Kircoff said he's been assured there won't be any further problems at the grocery chain involved or others in the area.

Yet, "for the past couple of years now, every year there's something,'' he said.

In recent years, Montreal outlets for businesses including Ikea, CIBC and National Bank have refused to allow the distribution of poppies until public pressure was brought to bear.

This year, Kircoff said stores in the Montreal-area communities of Chateauguay and Chambly have refused veterans access.

It's not just Quebec.

Earlier this week, a Regina shopping centre briefly barred poppy distribution. Mall management said it was due to a misunderstanding.

"I don't know what's going on,'' Kircoff said. "It comes down to public awareness.

"The veterans are getting older, so they're not as visible as they used to be.''