Hitchin police received a report yesterday afternoon regarding an offensive sticker placed on the fence outside Molly Malone’s pub on Nightingale Road. The sticker, which contained a message directly opposing the pub’s values of inclusion and respect, was discovered around 2:26 p.m., prompting a swift response from the venue.
In a public statement on social media, Molly Malone’s addressed the incident, clarifying that the sticker had been placed without their knowledge or consent. The pub confirmed that the sticker remained in place until staff removed it around 1 p.m. on the same day.
The statement emphasized the pub’s commitment to inclusivity, reading: “Molly Malone’s remains an inclusive venue for everyone. We will always stand against hate in all forms. We will not back down, no matter how hard you try.”
This episode follows a related incident on Tuesday, June 10, when Molly Malone’s took a firm stand against intolerance by refusing service to a customer who expressed hateful views. The pub reiterated its inclusive ethos on Facebook, affirming: “To be clear: this pub is an inclusive space. Trans people are welcome here and may use whichever toilet aligns with their identity. We stand by that — and we won’t serve anyone who refuses to respect it. End of.”
The posts have resonated strongly with the local community and beyond. Dozens of Facebook users have expressed support for the pub and the LGBTQ+ community in the comments sections of both posts, praising Molly Malone’s for taking a clear stance against discrimination and hate.
Local LGBTQ+ advocates applauded the pub’s proactive response, highlighting the importance of safe, welcoming spaces in the community. One commenter wrote, “It’s heartening to see businesses standing firm on inclusion. Molly Malone’s is setting an example for others.”
The police have confirmed they are aware of the incident but have not announced any ongoing investigation at this stage.
Molly Malone’s continues to affirm its position as a welcoming space for all patrons, maintaining zero tolerance for hate and discrimination.
Related topics: