Brewery apologises for branding non-alcoholic beer ‘gay lemonade’
Southern Bay Brewing Company apologised for the post
An Australian brewery is facing anger over a meme that mocked non-alcoholic beer as “gay lemonade.”
Southern Bay Brewing Company in Geelong, Australia issued an apology after its Facebook page shared a meme that said: “Non Alcoholic Beer. You mean gay lemonade?”
The post ignited anger from the local LGBT+ community, who called out the company for the joke.
It has since pulled the message down and apologised.
Southern Bay brewery: No offence was intended
A statement posted to Facebook signed by “Nick W” says: “Apologies to all for an earlier post. This was posted without any thought whatsoever and no offence was intended. I apologise unreservedly.
“The post has since been deleted and we will be more careful selecting our posts in future.
“We realise this is not good enough and we should not have posted the homophobic beer meme. It will not happen again.”
The brewery’s Facebook post mocked non-alcoholic beer as ‘gay lemonade’
It adds: “It was a gross error and mistake and we would appreciate it if people were kind enough to forgive us.
“The post in no way reflected the thoughts of staff of the Southern Bay Brewing Co. and they should not be held accountable for my actions.”
“Please accept my sincere apologies.”
Fans roast ‘unacceptable’ post
One top comment responds: “Not remotely acceptable!!! its 2019!!! This is a brilliant industry with amazing and diverse people in it and supporting it. What an absolute disgrace.
“You have tarnished its reputation and yet again we are reminded that this bulls**t still exists. Another dark day that a brewery makes good people feel like s**t. An you can shove your ‘all that were offended’ apology too.”
Another added: “1954 called. They want your social media approach back.”
Southern Bay Brewing Company apologised for the post
However, plenty of people were on hand to claim that there was nothing wrong with the post to begin with.
One vented: “To the PC snowflakes offended by this.. it’s your stupid PC bulls**t that has ruined Australia in this day and age, and will continue to ruin it.”
Another complained: “It’s such a pity that so many people are so precious nowadays.”
“The post was homophobic and should not have been posted.”
Southern Bay Brewing Company
The company’s account responded: “All I can do is take ownership of the mistake and apologise. The post was homophobic and should not have been posted.
“I do believe the post should not have happened and I can say that it does not reflect my moral stance. The staff at the brewery do not support the post and have made that very clear to me. It was a big mistake. I hope you will accept my apology.”
A later update indicated that director Nick Warming had resigned as CEO as a result of the post.
He said: “I thought I would advise that following a board meeting, I have resigned as CEO of Southern Bay Brewing Co. The board have accepted my resignation with immediate effect.”
