Melbourne Bar Owner Apologises For Offensive Sign

Australian musician and Fitzroy bar owner Steve Miller has issued an apology following outrage from punters who were offended by a menu featured at his venue, Handsome Steve’s House of Refreshment, that read "no poofter drinks".

Miller, former guitarist of post-punk '80s band The Moodists alongside Dave Graney, Clare Moore and Mick Turner, yesterday apologised for the sign on the bar's Facebook page. 

"I unconditionally apologise for any offence I have caused," Miller wrote in a statement. 

"If anyone would like to talk to me about it, please come down to the house of refreshment. I'm here Friday - Sunday. All welcome."

As the Herald Sun reported on Friday, a customer took offence to the sign and requested it be taken down, though Miller initially refused and a heated conversation ensued. 

Miller told the Sunday Herald Sun that the sign had been up in the bar for seven years, in which many of his customers both gay and straight had found the joke "hilarious".

However due to public outcry Miller took the sign down and said that he was "hurt" and "mortified" by the backlash as he is a strong believer of equal rights.

Following his Facebook apology, Miller dismissed claims by one user that accused him of kicking a customer out of the bar who wanted to discuss the sign.

"There seems to be a miscommunication," Miller responded.

"No one was kicked out. I'm sorry if anyone thinks that was the case. Please come and talk to me about this as I am computer illiterate."

Miller currently fronts Collingwood-founded act The SMB (Steve Miller Band), not to be confused with the veteran US rock band.