- Police are investigating a poster displayed in the Red Lion pub, Southampton
A historic pub has been reported to police for a hate crime after allegedly displaying a mock poster which advertises five slaves for sale.
The Red Lion on Southampton High Street has reportedly had the poster on the wall for 25 years but punter Mike Rose was left reeling when he spotted the ‘abhorrent’ artefact during an afternoon pint.
The 38-year-old is now calling for bosses at the Grade II listed building – which dates back to 1148 – to remove it ‘immediately’ after reporting it to the police and city council.
The poster, which is dated July 15, 1820, states ‘For sale, five slaves’ with the names and ages of each slave, one as young a 14, being displayed.
He said: ‘I was having an afternoon pint and taking a look at some of the historical artefacts on the walls. This is when I spotted the word slaves – written all in bold letters and in capitals.’
The Red Lion on Southampton high street has reportedly had the poster on the wall for 25 years
Punter Mike Rose was left reeling when he spotted the ‘abhorrent’ poster
This appears to be the poster which was hung up on the wall which said ‘for sale five slaves’
Mr Rose continued: ‘I’m a white man myself but find anything making reference to slavery completely abhorrent and not something to be celebrated on posters.
‘That tells me that you are not welcome here if you come from an ethnic minority background.
‘The pub need to immediately remove it.’
He has reported the poster to the licensing team at Southampton City Council and the police.
In repose to the report filed, a spokesperson for Hampshire police said: ‘We received a report of a hate incident on Tuesday, February 27, in relation to a poster displayed in the Red Lion pub on Southampton High Street.
‘The report is currently being reviewed by the local neighbourhood policing team.’
MailOnline has contacted Hampshire Police for further comment.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Southampton City Council licensing officers and police licensing are conducting joint visits next week and intend visiting the premises then.’
The pub was approached by MailOnline but said they would not be offering comment until they have spoken with police.
