A brewery chain has been forced to apologise after one of its pubs banned vegans during a Boxing day hunt. The Dorset pub in Lewes, East...
A brewery chain has been forced to apologise after one of its pubs banned vegans during a Boxing day hunt.
The Dorset pub in Lewes, East Sussex, posted a sign in its window which also said hunt saboteurs were not welcome.
‘Due to the hunt today, we regret to inform you that we will not be welcoming saboteurs or vegans into the premises,’ the poster read.
It was signed: ‘Kind regards, the Management.’
A sign appeared in the window of The Dorset pub in Lewes, East Sussex, on Boxing Day informing prospective customers it would not be welcoming saboteurs or vegans into the premises
The pub's stance led to a furious backlash on social media, with many saying they would boycott The Dorset (pictured) in future
The licensees’ stance led to a backlash on social media, and the pub was accused of being ‘discriminatory’.
Harvey’s, the brewery which owns The Dorset, said it was ‘appalled’.
One employee had been suspended over the ‘inappropriate’ sign, a spokesman said.
On Twitter, Gilly Smith said: ‘Isolating and discriminating against their own customers? Really clever marketing ploy. Should be ashamed of themselves and boycotted.
Dozens commented on her tweet, expressing similar concern with the sign.
One user, going by the name of Nutkin, said: 'Thanks for banning me from your pub. All because of what I choose to eat.'
While Miss Hannigan said: 'A massive own goal by the management. No doubt a move they're already regretting'.
Others questioned what they were after, with one user saying: 'Why bother being in the hospitality business if you're going to discriminate against the fastest growing market?
'What a stupid thing to do! Cutting their own throat somewhat.'
Dozens took to Twitter to complain about the sign (above and below), including Molly who said: 'Why have a vegan menu and then discriminate against your own customers?'
The pub, which even offers vegan options on the menu, promptly issued a statement through the brewer.
A spokesman said yesterday: 'Following the comments generated by today’s inaccurate, insensitive and inappropriate poster, the company would like to issue a formal apology for any confusion, offence or upset it may have caused.
'The poster, information it contained and the views expressed by staff since are not representative of the views or opinions of the company or brewery.
'We do not affiliate with any organisations or discriminate against any individuals or groups.'
While Harvey's itself also issued a statement, saying: ‘Following the comments generated by [the] inaccurate, insensitive and inappropriate poster, the company would like to issue a formal apology for any confusion, offence or upset it may have caused.
‘Harvey’s do not concur with the sentiment of this sign in any way, and are appalled at the inconsiderate actions of the individual in question... [an] employee has been suspended pending an ongoing investigation.
‘Harvey’s are fully committed to the inclusivity of all guests.
‘We ... would like to reassure current and future patrons that all are welcome in our establishments. This will not happen again.’