'No Trump supporters': Chicago bar's house rules sparks heated debate

A new bar in Chicago is facing backlash after debuting a list of 16 “House Rules,” which include “No Cubs fans” and “No Trump supporters.”

The Hyde officially opened on Jan. 18, and already it’s stirring up controversy over some seemingly extreme regulations targeted at its customers’ sports team preferences and political views. But the bar’s owner, Jovanis Bouargoub, is trying to explain that all of the rules are aimed at invoking the space’s easy-going and inclusive ambiance — not at excluding patrons.

“These are the rules of the house making their rounds,” an Instagram post of the rules reads. “There’s no room for negative people in our house. If you don’t understand the industry and are ignorant to the humor in this then do us a favor and hit that unfollow button.”

Rules like “No Shoes, No Teeth, No service” and “$50 fine for b****ing” are probably an attempt at humor. Still, those responding to the Hyde’s social media posts don’t seem to be laughing.

“Patiently waiting for the Google page to go live, so I can leave a nice review like thousands of other Trump supporters,” one Instagram commenter wrote. Another added, “Guess I won’t be going to this bar, the IQ of the owner and patrons wouldn’t add up to nearly enough to waste my time!!”

And even when Bouargoub tried to explain to a concerned community member on Facebook that the “the ‘House Rules’ are for entertainment purposes,” and that “Everyone is welcome,” people continued to express their apprehension.

One person responded: “Even for entertainment purposes, I implore to understand our community and how these ‘rules’ be received. I may not be the only person with a pause moment.”

Bouargoub didn’t immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment. However, he told the Chicago Sun-Times that it is “disturbing” that people don’t appreciate the humor. According to his conversation with the outlet, the only rules that the speakeasy will strictly enforce are on cellphone use and the dress code.

So long as patrons don’t show their support for the Chicago-based baseball team or President Trump by wearing a jersey or a baseball cap — both of which are prohibited under the dress code — they should be good to go.