Violence growing in country Queensland pubs as COVID restrictions ease
Police in Dalby, a town west of Toowoomba in Queensland, are concerned about a rise in recent alcohol related violence in local pubs.
Rising concern was fuelled by a coward punch incident that left its victim concussed.
A 23-year-old man will face court next month over the attack.
The incident occurred on Friday night at the Criterion Hotel, when a 34-year-old man was punched without warning in the back of the head.
Paramedics treated the man, who made a formal complaint the next day.
It is alleged that the victim was sober at the time and the attack was unprovoked.
The 23-year-old Dalby man charged with the attack will front the Dalby Magistrates Court on 5 January 2021.
Police are expected to make a formal application to ban him from all pubs in the town.
Dalby Police Sergeant Sean Donaghy said this incident was just one in a string of aggressive incidents that the town’s pubs and clubs have seen since COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
“We do get assaults every weekend in the pubs, but a lot don’t make a complaint,” he said.
“Especially now that COVID (restrictions) have been lowered, we are finding more (incidents).
“Police will not accept any violence at any licenced premises and offenders will be dealt with the full force of the law.
“Violence in pubs and clubs won’t be tolerated and all matters will be rigorously investigated.”
Irit Jackson, 8th December 2020
