Premium Content:

Bar apologises for homophobic sign

yay-8317428

A Melbourne bar has issued an apology after clients complained about a sign declaring ‘No Poofter drinks”.

- Advertisement -

Handsome Steve’s House of Refreshment in Fitzroy received a swarm of negative  comments on its Facebook page after customers complained about a sign hanging in the bar.

The sign listed a range of things not available in the bar including no soy, no teas and no poofter drinks.

When some clients highlighted that they considered the sign offensive it lead to a heated discussion on the bar’s Facebook page. One client commented; “Homophobia is alive and well in this business. Time for management to grow up.”

While another person defended the use of the phrase “The sign may not have been overly funny, but the gross overreaction by precious wankers has been hilarious. Get a grip people. ‘poofta drink’ is part of the Aussie venaculer [sic]. We use it daily in our little gay circle.”

Owner Steve Miller said the sign had been up for seven years, was not meant to cause offence and people, including gay customers, found it hilarious.

“If I’ve given offence to anybody, I unconditionally apologise. I unreservedly apologise.” Mr Miller told The Herald Sun. The bar owner has invited anyone concerned about the sign to head down to the bar and chat to him about it.

OIP Staff, Image: stock image YayMicro|hemeroskopion

 

Latest

Stream the 2026 GRAMMY Awards on Stan this February

Awards season lovers rejoice! The biggest night in music...

Last chance to vote in triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2025

Cast your vote before voting end this Thursday, 15 January at 5pm AEDT.

Funky Town: Pseudo Echo book in Perth date for February

The Aussie band are marking 40 years of taking us down to Funky Town.

Catch a great line-up at The Moon Cafe’s ‘Cosmic Comedy’

Alissia Marsh, Courtney Maldo, Zeppo and Crabtime Baby are set to take to the stage.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Stream the 2026 GRAMMY Awards on Stan this February

Awards season lovers rejoice! The biggest night in music...

Last chance to vote in triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2025

Cast your vote before voting end this Thursday, 15 January at 5pm AEDT.

Funky Town: Pseudo Echo book in Perth date for February

The Aussie band are marking 40 years of taking us down to Funky Town.

Catch a great line-up at The Moon Cafe’s ‘Cosmic Comedy’

Alissia Marsh, Courtney Maldo, Zeppo and Crabtime Baby are set to take to the stage.

Wanda Sykes delivers one of the funniest moments of the Golden Globes

The comedian didn't miss a chance to launch a pointed barb at Ricky Gervais.

Stream the 2026 GRAMMY Awards on Stan this February

Awards season lovers rejoice! The biggest night in music will be available to stream live in Australia this February. The 2026 GRAMMY Awards will be...

Last chance to vote in triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2025

Cast your vote before voting end this Thursday, 15 January at 5pm AEDT.

Funky Town: Pseudo Echo book in Perth date for February

The Aussie band are marking 40 years of taking us down to Funky Town.