Irish Pub Sparks Backlash after Putting Up 'No Loud Americans' Sign

A pub in rural Ireland has received heavy criticism after putting up a sign saying that it doesn’t serve “loud Americans”.

The sign at Pete’s Place in County Kerry was spotted by a Northern Irish tourist who posted the picture on Facebook, provoking anger from many users.

It must be a great thing in life to have your money made! Waterville, Co. Kerry pic.twitter.com/jZccZhsMs9

— Maurice Campbell (@mauricecampbell) June 6, 2014

The pub is located in the village of Waterville, which is reliant on the tourist industry.

@thedrisc @mauricecampbell Not a loud American here but skipping Waterville and stopping in Cahersiveen Thanks Niall! Cheers!

— moira (@moirakelly52) July 21, 2014

Speaking to CNBC, Maurice Campbell said: “I thought it was out of order. It seemed nasty. It’s in an area that’s very dependent on tourism.”

Embarrassed Waterville residents later took to the streets with U.S. flags and red, white and blue bunting to show that American visitors are still welcome.

The pub’s owner, Peter Fitzgerald, remains defiant, however. He told the Irish Independent that he has no regrets putting the sign up, saying: “Why would I regret it? It worked!”

He said that he has nothing against Americans coming into his establishment as long as they stay quiet. “It was just the loudness. I have only 12 tables here and it was just too noisy if it was full of Americans.”

Since putting the sign up, he claims, American tourists have come into the pub and promised to remain quiet.