CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Political divisions that remain after the presidential election are on display at one Elmhurst business.
An orange sign on the door of the Elmhurst Cigar House reads “Biden voters keep out!” It was put there by owner Shaun Thompson, who from South Florida, told CBS 2 he is not interested in serving those who voted for the Democrat.
“I don’t want them anyway. I don’t want them in there, and I don’t to have to pretend that they have respect for me,” Thompson said, “so I’m going to show disrespect for them.”
Thompson told CBS 2 if you voted for Joe Biden for president, he does not want your business, your cash, or your presence in the store – and he is prepared to suffer the consequences as a form of protest.
Some residents expressed surprise and disappointment that a local business would alienate customers.
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“I find it really, truly appalling – pretty much that I would like to say out and not go in,” one woman told CBS 2. “I find it horrible.”
“Did a double take and looked at it. I find that offensive,” said another woman. “I’m a Trump supporter, so if somebody put ‘Trump supporters stay out,’ I wouldn’t, you know, find that a very kind thing to put."
Thompson defends his decision as exercising his freedom of speech.
He has owned the store for six years and dealt with a drop in sales due to COVID shutdowns; sf customers stay away now, because of the sign, he said he is ready to smoke what is not sold.