Oh yes, that is a weed. Get it out of the whiskey/wine barrel immediately because it is sucking precious life-sustaining nutrients and water away from that beautiful pansy that is trying to put on a display of vivid colors and beauty.

Good to hear Megan and Jason have declared war on snails and slugs. They are indiscriminate vegetarians with voracious appetites. You must curb their appetites with snail bate and put up protective perimeters around your pepper plants. I think those creatures are somewhat nocturnal so you can get a better idea of their vicious plant killing activities if you investigate at night with a flashlight. Get control of this situation ASAP. Who wants to eat pepperless salsa? Once attacked by a snail or slug, a plant will not come back to life. These creatures are killers so you may need to replant.