Outcry after coffee shop's No Uggs (slag wellies) sign

Brick Lane Coffee in Shoreditch has sparked a bit of an outcry, after putting a sign outside declaring that people wearing Ugg boots were not allowed in. The most controversial aspect of the sign was the language, it read: "Sorry. No Uggs (slag wellies)".

The Mirror reported that passersby were not impressed, while on social media some commentators felt the sign was sexist.

In a statement the shop argued: "Our sign does not mention women; Uggs are unisex. Making a "sexist" issue out of it is over the top when there are much more important things to be outraged about." It added: "All this kind of faux outrage does is give us further publicity."

Certainly there were plenty of people on Twitter who liked the sign, and several who found it funny. There were also those who couldn't see what the fuss was about, as they have used the term for years. Comedian Ben Norris was using the term in his act back in 2013.
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However, for the locals, there's just a chance that the joke is wearing a bit thin, as a number of controversial signs have appeared outside the shop, including: "One coffee a day keeps Ebola away"., and "Please don't feed the crackies". The 'crackies' comment did generate an apology from the owner, who said he had been out of the country at the time and pledged to donate to a drugs charity.

Sign of the times?

Companies around the world generate interest with amusing signs outside the shop, but there's no need to risk offence in order to generate interest. There are several that have gone viral purely because they were so funny. Ten of our favourites are:

1. How to Twerk: Step 1. Reconsider
2. Alcohol! Because no great story ever started with someone having a salad
3. No Hipsters!! Don't be coming in here with your hairy faces, your vegan diets, your tiny feet, and your sawdust bedding! No, wait... Hamsters... No Hamsters!
4. If you didn't drink, how would your friends know you love them at 2am?
5. We have thousands of happy customers... and one creepy dude that's not allowed back (you know who you are).
6. I don't want to get technical or anything, but according to Chemistry, alcohol IS a solution.
7. Hello... is it tea you're looking for?
8. Unattended children will be given espresso and a kitten
9. Free beer, topless bartenders and false advertising
10. "Trust me, you can dance" - Vodka