NSW: Hotel brawl proof of need for new pub laws: Rees
08 Dec 2008 4:22 PM
SYDNEY, Dec 8 AAP - A brawl involving up to 600 people outside a western Sydney bar is proof tougher regulations are needed to curb alcohol-related violence, says NSW Premier Nathan Rees.
Police had to call in the riot squad, Pol Air helicopter and the dog squad to disperse the crowd outside Parramatta's Roxy Hotel about 11.45pm (AEDT) on Sunday.
Two security guards were taken to hospital after one was glassed in the brawl.
A 28-year-old man suffered facial cuts, while a 32-year-old man sustained facial injuries, police said
The Roxy Hotel is one of 48 pubs that must observe new regulations introduced by the state government.
The laws include a 2am lock out while drinks must be served in plastic cups after midnight.
Mr Rees, who has faced strong opposition from hoteliers about the changes, said the Sunday night incident was proof strict measures were needed.
"There is just another example of why licensed premises need to get fair dinkum about this," he told reporters.
"This is not just acceptable to have 600 people brawling on the street ... I don't think the public needs convincing that the alcohol laws we introduced last week were the right and appropriate thing to do."
Two men aged 22 and 23, and a 28-year-old woman were arrested and charged with hindering police, resisting arrest, disobeying a move-on direction and offensive behaviour.
They are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks.
A spokeswoman said no more arrests were made and police were investigating the security guard bashings.
