Key takeaways
• An Idaho bar promised free beer for one month to anyone helping ICE deport an undocumented migrant.
• Old State Saloon’s online pages were flooded with one-star reviews within hours.
• Bar staff responded by insulting reviewers as “angry progressive liberals” and “liars.”
• The Department of Homeland Security flagged the post, drawing even more attention.
Why the Free Beer for One Month Offer Drew Backlash
A small bar in Eagle, Idaho, ignited a firestorm when it announced free beer for one month to anyone who helped Immigration and Customs Enforcement remove an undocumented migrant. The Old State Saloon shared the offer in an online post. Almost instantly, its Google page filled with negative feedback. Critics slammed the bar’s political stunt and swore never to return. In turn, the bar’s staff fired back with insults. The clash has since gone viral, drawing both supporters and fierce opponents.
The Controversial Free Beer for One Month Offer
Old State Saloon’s offer promised free beer for one month if patrons provided proof they helped ICE identify and deport someone. The bar framed the deal as a reward for “protecting Idaho.” However, many saw it as a cruel gamble. First, customers voiced disgust at turning deportations into a contest. Then, online reviewers began piling on one-star ratings, condemning the bar’s harsh politics and what they called an ugly approach to immigration issues.
Flood of One-Star Reviews
Within hours of the post, the bar’s Google and social media pages were swamped with one-star reviews. Comments ranged from simple “never coming back” notes to harsh labels like “trashy” or “overly political.” One review read, “Don’t bother. Place is trashy and overly political.” Another critic pointed out that the food was “super greasy,” even though their complaint had no link to politics. Soon, hundreds of upset voices joined in, aiming to drown out the bar’s message.
Bar Staff Responses Fuel the Fire
Instead of de-escalating, Old State Saloon’s staff responded to almost every one-star review with insults. They called reviewers “angry progressive liberals” and “liars.” One staff reply read, “Another liar. Politics is not our entire personality. We host home school meetups, line dancing lessons, karaoke nights, and more.” To a review claiming greasy food, they shot back, “Liar. You never came here. Let me guess, another lib? All you people do is lie, lie, lie.”
A Back-and-Forth for the Ages
This online shouting match escalated quickly. Reviewers posted screenshots of the bar’s responses. Then, Old State Saloon shared those screenshots on its own account, gloating over each fresh insult. They even boasted about the negative reviews as proof that only “the loser left” cared about politics. Meanwhile, critics saw each reply as further proof that the bar cared more about politics than hospitality.
Government and Public Reaction
The post caught the attention of more than just internet users. The official account for the Department of Homeland Security reported Old State Saloon’s initial post. That move injected new fuel into the fire. Now people wondered why a federal agency would weigh in on a bar’s promotion. Supporters cheered the bar’s tough stance on immigration. Yet, many others decried it as an extremist call for cruelty.
Voices from Outside Idaho
The story spread beyond local news. A popular political commentator with over 280,000 followers asked, “Oh so this is where the Nazis hang out in Idaho?” That tweet lit up social media. Users as far away as New York and California weighed in, sharing their own one-star reviews and condemning the bar’s hard line. Yet, a handful of right-wing activists praised the idea as an example of patriotic action.
What This Means for Local Businesses
This saga shows how fast a local business can become a national story today. A single social post turned a quiet bar into a battleground over immigration and free speech. It also shows the risk of mixing politics with promotions. Many experts warn that aligning a brand too closely with any political stance can alienate half of its potential customers.
Could Free Beer for One Month Be Legal?
Some legal experts wonder if the offer violated any laws. Offering a reward for reporting immigration cases may conflict with privacy rules or anti-tracking laws. However, proving a violation could prove tough. Still, the threat of legal action may loom if the bar’s message spurs harassment or false claims.
Lessons for Other Businesses
First, think twice before using polarizing politics to drive sales. Second, prepare a plan for handling backlash online. Third, train staff not to engage in name-calling. A calm response often diffuses anger. Finally, remember that in the internet age, local actions can spark global debates in minutes.
What’s Next for Old State Saloon?
As the post continues to go viral, Old State Saloon faces a turning point. Will it double down on its stance or step back and apologize? Its next move could decide whether it loses more customers or wins over a niche audience that supports aggressive immigration policies. Either way, this tale will likely serve as a cautionary example for bars and restaurants everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the bar offer free beer for one month?
The bar wanted to reward people who helped ICE deport an undocumented migrant. It framed the offer as support for law enforcement and state security.
How did people react to the offer?
Many online users left one-star reviews, calling the bar “trashy” and “overly political.” Critics said the promotion turned a serious issue into a crude stunt.
Did bar staff respond to the criticism?
Yes. The staff replied to nearly every negative review with insults, labeling reviewers “angry progressive liberals” and “liars.”
What can other businesses learn from this?
Mixing politics with promotions can backfire. It’s wiser to keep marketing neutral or be ready for strong reactions. Calm, respectful responses help protect a brand’s reputation.