QR code argument sparks restaurant bashing

A Forster restaurant owner was allegedly attacked by a couple of would-be diners after he asked the pair to check into the venue with a QR code.

The violent incident at the Anatolia Turkish Cuisine restaurant on the NSW mid-north coast was captured on security camera, showing the moment the attack happened.

The couple became violent after they were told to leave.

According to police, the pair arrived at the restaurant just after 7pm on Monday and were asked to sign in via QR code. They were told to leave after they refused to sign in.

The accused man allegedly threw and smashed a bottle of water against a wall and was escorted from the restaurant prompting him to allegedly punch the 39-year-old owner.

His female companion then bit a 44-year-old male customer who tried to intervene. The bite caused his bicep to bleed and bruise.

The restaurant owner was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering facial injuries and a suspected broken nose.

Police said the couple were arrested shortly after leaving the venue.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, intimidation and malicious damage, while the 27-year-old woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Both attackers were fined $1000 for breaching Covid-19 protocols.

Conditional bail has been granted and the pair will front Forster Local Court in August.

Irit Jackson, 1st July 2021