Beer and spies: "Stasi pub" divides Berliners

BERLIN (Reuters) - Two Berliners have caused a stir with a new "Stasi Bar" where guests can sip beer surrounded by listening devices and shredded documents, a stone's throw from the former headquarters of East Germany's dreaded secret police.

Owners Willi Gau, 60, and Wolfgang Schmelz, 53, say they want to provoke debate with their small bar.

But groups representing victims of the notorious Stasi have slammed the idea as tasteless.

"We mean it in a satirical but serious way," said Gau, standing by the entrance of his bar "Die Firma" (The Firm), where guests are greeted by a large sign featuring the emblem of the Stasi.

Inside, a mannequin dressed as an East German police officer and sporting a baton and handcuffs stands in front of a poster reading "Welcome to the capital of the German Democratic Republic (GDR)."