Indiana bar loses regulars for backing Bud Light, accusing customers of 'bigotry and hatred': 'We will not tolerate intolerance here'

A local Bloomington, Indiana, dive bar recently lost some of its regulars after its ownership released a statement supporting Bud Light and accusing customers of "bigotry and hatred" amid the controversy surrounding the promotional partnership between Anheuser-Busch and transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

Earlier this month, Bud Light's parent company, Anheuser-Busch, came under fire for partnering with Mulvaney, who posted a social media video advertising Bud Light. In the video, Mulvaney showed off a customized beer can with the trans influencer's face to promote March Madness and celebrate Mulvaney's "365 Days of Girlhood."

Since the controversial campaign, many have boycotted the beer-maker, which has caused the company's market shares to drop nearly the same amount that its competitors have gained.

The Fairfax Bar and Grill owner, McKinley Minniefield, published a statement on the bar's Facebook page earlier this month condemning "bigotry and hatred" over the Bud Light controversy. In addition, the statement informed customers that they would be asked to leave the establishment if they publicly discussed the matter.

"We are tired of all of the hate. We are very open to debate and discussion and it's truly a shame that we can't have open conversations about this important political and cultural topic. Bars, in our opinion, exist as public spaces where ideas should be exchanged. Unfortunately due to all of the bigotry and hatred that has surfaced around the Bud Light controversy any patron wanting to voice their concerns about the issue will be immediately asked to pay their bill and leave our establishment," the post stated.

"We are all aware of the controversy surrounding Bud Light. We support ALL people in this establishment no matter who you are of [sic] how you identify. We will continue to sell Anheiser [sic] Busch products because we don't care who they make special cans for," the statement said. "If you are intolerant of other humans of any kind, we ask that you keep your opinions to yourself. Should you feel the need to discuss this matter in public you will be asked to leave. We will not tolerate intolerance here," the statement added.

Minniefield told WISH-TV that his bartenders are "aggravated" about customers spewing "very vulgar" "hate speech."

On Wednesday, the bar owner provided an update on Facebook regarding the public's response to his former comment, noting that most people have been "overwhelmingly positive and supportive" but that some regulars have stopped supporting the local dive bar.

"Thank you to all of you for supporting our establishment. With the departure of some of our regulars, we have needed new clientele, and you have answered. I'm not gonna lie, we still need more of you right now," the post read.

On Thursday, in another follow-up regarding the news coverage of the bar, Minniefield posted on Facebook, "Fox News ran a story about The Fairfax this morning, and our ongoing stand against hate speech. You can imagine the hateful comments and messages pouring in today from transphobic, homophobic and racist Fox News followers."

Bloomington bar cracks down on hate speechyoutu.be

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!