When a small sports bar in Colorado hosted a conservative event, the owner probably thought it would be like any other night. Some folks would gather, have a drink, talk politics, and go home.
But that simple decision set off a firestorm.
The Werks, a neighborhood sports bar in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, became the latest target of left-wing activists.
After they rented space to a conservative group, the bar faced harassment. Activists spread flyers with slander about the owner and tried to drive customers away.
A video response from the bar, shared by the popular account Libs of TikTok, showed just how bad the harassment got.
ATTENTION ANYONE IN THE WHEAT RIDGE, CO, AREA
Leftists are trying to cancel ‘The Werks’ sports bar because they hosted a Conservative group.
Activists showed up to the event and HARRASED the manager and customers.
Deranged leftists handed out fliers to customers SMEARING… pic.twitter.com/RaAl8cQuYn
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 30, 2025
The owner, Paul Porter, explained that their business welcomes everyone. “We will absolutely accept anybody that wants to come in here and enjoy our space,” the statement said.
Still, that didn’t stop activists from trying to punish them for allowing conservatives to meet in their space.
“These people should be ashamed of themselves,” Porter said. “It’s truly… it’s disgusting.”
A Pattern We’ve Seen Before
This isn’t an isolated case.
In Omaha last year, another sports bar was caught in controversy after hosting a meet-and-greet with a man linked to January 6. That bar faced boycotts and angry media coverage.
Across the country, conservative groups are finding it harder to hold public gatherings.
Businesses that agree to host them can expect backlash from loud activist groups. Instead of “tolerance” and “diversity,” these activists push fear and division.
Colorado Today, Nevada Tomorrow
This story may have happened in Colorado, but Nevadans know it could easily happen here.
Whether it’s a restaurant in Las Vegas, a meeting hall in Reno, or even a rural community center in Elko, the pressure to shut down conservative voices is growing.
In fact, we’ve already seen pieces of this play out in Nevada.
During the 2022 midterm elections, several Republican candidates and conservative groups struggled to find venues willing to host rallies.
Some owners feared protests. Others didn’t want to be labeled “controversial.”
Politics is supposed to be about debate and free speech. If one side can meet openly but the other side gets bullied into silence, that’s not democracy. That’s intimidation.
Free Speech Under Fire
The Constitution protects free speech and free association. Business owners should be free to rent their spaces to whoever they choose.
Customers can decide for themselves whether to support a business, but organized harassment and smear campaigns cross the line.
What happened to The Werks is just the latest example of a growing problem.
Instead of letting people disagree and move on, activists try to “cancel” anyone who doesn’t bow to their demands.
Critics Defend the Harassment
Critics argue that businesses shouldn’t host events tied to “extremism.” They say private owners have a right to refuse service if they believe an event could harm their reputation.
But The Werks didn’t host a hate group. They hosted a conservative political gathering. That’s a huge difference.
And if simply being conservative is enough to trigger harassment, then at least half the country is at risk.
Nevada Can Set the Example
Nevada has always prided itself on independence. From mining towns to Las Vegas casinos, our state has a live-and-let-live spirit.
That spirit is exactly what’s needed now.
If business owners here stand firm and support free speech, Nevada could set an example for the rest of the country.
Conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat, people should be able to meet in peace without fearing harassment.
The fight over free speech isn’t just happening in Washington, D.C., or on college campuses. It’s happening in small businesses like The Werks in Colorado, and it could happen tomorrow in Nevada.
If we let intimidation win, ordinary citizens will lose their voice. But if we stand up for fairness and equal treatment, Nevada can help restore some balance to America’s public square.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
