Cranberry beer store removes sign at center of social media backlash – WPXI

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A sign at a local beer store telling people they can take off their masks unless they look like Dr Rachel Levine, former health secretary, is stirring up controversy.

Greg Harrold, deputy director of Save on Beer in Cranberry, said it was a huge misunderstanding and they never expected it to be taken as is.

“The overwhelming majority laughed and thought it was humorous, which it was meant to be,” Harrold said.

It was no laughing matter for everyone, as several people took to social media and called his business transphobic.

“Say what they want. I’m not far from it. I have a niece who just announced that she will be marrying her girlfriend this weekend. I congratulated her, ”he said. “When the mask mandate was lifted, we put up a sign saying, ‘Masks are no longer needed’. Underneath was a sign that read: ‘Unless you look like Frankenstein then please keep it. ”

Then they decided to change it and Dr. Levine’s name was written on the sign.

“It might have been a bit of bad taste, but look back over the years the comedy has been pretty ruthless on people over the years,” Harrold said. “Now you say the wrong thing, and you’re racist, transphobic – homophobic, whatever.

We have spoken to several customers about the sign and most did not feel comfortable talking about it.

“Some people would laugh at it, and some people would take offense,” said Steve Bullington. “I understand both sides, you know, and that’s why we’re a democracy.”

Now the sign has changed. And Harrold doesn’t expect this problem to affect his business. But he has this message for all those he has offended.

“If you have a problem, come talk to me. I’m there all day, ”he said.