The brewery behind a pub which mocked the Glasgow air crash by advertising itself as “100% HELICOPTER PROOF” issued a grovelling apology today.
Dozy barman Toby Warren, 19, sparked outrage when he scrawled the message on a blackboard outside the Red Lion pub in Wadhurst, East Sussex.
The sign was swiftly removed after pictures of it were posted on Twitter – and the brewery Shepherd Neame has now apologised for the “deplorable” action of its tenant.
In a statement, Shepherd Neame property and tenant trade director George Barnes said: “The sign at the Red Lion was deplorable and in no way sanctioned by the brewery.
“The tenant is self-employed and the operator of the business.
“We were neither notified of his action in advance, nor authorised it.
“We have made it clear to the tenant responsible that it was utterly unacceptable, which he has wholly accepted.
“He has apologised for the offence caused and will be making a donation towards the fund set up to help those affected by this tragedy.”
On Monday night thoughtless barman Toby confessed: “I put the sign up. It was my idea but it was a stupid mistake. It was badly thought out.
“I don’t really know what I was thinking.
“It was supposed to be a joke but it was a stupid, idiotic thing to do.
“I’m really sorry for causing offence to people.
“I’ve painted over the sign now but I’m in a lot of trouble about this.”
This rapscallions actions are unforgivable.