Bud Light has endured weeks of criticism after sponsoring Instagram posts by a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. A Monroe County bar and restaurant has put out a statement condemning hate speech in response.
Fairfax Bar and Grill owner McKinley Minniefield says a welcoming and inclusive environment is important for his establishment to enforce.
“It's just as important as business owners, especially in establishments that are for public entertainment that we just take a stand as human beings to support each other as human beings,” Minniefield said. “That we align ourselves with each other first and to put the politics of it aside, and to put our individual opinions aside, and just focus on being good to each other first.”
Minniefield said the statement was in response to certain customers voicing opinions against the transgender community. Minniefield wanted his staff to have the ability to act on any hate speech.
“[Certain people] were being mean to other people at the bar and my bartenders needed ammunition, right? They needed support to be able to just say enough is enough,” Minniefield said.
Fairfax Bar and Grill’ statement posted on its Facebook page stated those who voice hate speech related to the issue will be asked to pay their bill and leave the establishment.
Bud Lignt owner Anheuser-Busch’s facilities have also faced threats of violence following the incident, a company spokesperson said.
Anheuser-Busch CEO Brendan Whitworth put out a statement following backlash without directly acknowledging the incident, stating the company “never meant to be part of a discussion that divides people.”
