Torquay Hotel fight captured on camera as police issue notice

Fresh footage of a wild pub brawl on the Fraser Coast has emerged as police release two images of men they want to speak to and the liquor watchdog reveals its role in the fallout.

Queensland’s liquor licensing watchdog has confirmed it is investigating a wild brawl at a Fraser Coast pub as police release two images of men wanted for questioning.

It comes after fresh footage emerged of the brawl, in which scooters and poles were sent flying, outside the Torquay Hotel on the Hervey Bay Esplanade late last Saturday.

The chaotic fight, which came after several concerning incidents in the same area, prompted the publican to announce the venue would no longer be open after 11pm on Saturdays.

In a response to the Fraser Coast Chronicle, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Liquor Act confirmed it had been made aware of the incident outside the hotel on April 23.

“An investigation has commenced regarding potential breaches of the Liquor Act 1992,” a spokeswoman from OLGR said.

“Confidentiality obligations prevent OLGR from providing specific details regarding this matter.

“OLGR uses several proactive strategies to regulate and monitor licensed premises.

“These strategies include overt and covert inspections at licensed premises and are designed to identify and solve problems before incidents or complaints arise.

“OLGR also conducts joint operations with the Queensland Police Service to monitor compliance with the Liquor Act.

“OLGR engages with licensees through liquor accord meetings to discuss previous incidents and enhance strategies to address alcohol fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.”

Publican Darren Carter said he would not comment on the matter other than a post he made on the Torquay Hotel‘s social media.

He did say his staff were “all trained up” when it came to the responsible service of alcohol.

Two CCTV stills featuring images of two men were also released following the brawl.

The statement issued by police said the two men pictured may be able to assist with their investigation.

Anyone with information or footage of the incident has been encouraged to contact Policelink on 131 444 and quote the reference number QP2200705317.

It comes as a second video, uploaded to social media platform Tiktok, showed dozens of people milling outside the Torquay Hotel after midnight and being addressed by a heavy police presence.

The video captioned “people get angry when the pub shuts” and showed security and a woman pushing a man away from authorities who was allegedly yelling at.

It was uploaded on March 23.

However, Mr Carter found an ally in business owner and tourism operator Peter Lynch who said the hotel had been unfairly targeted.

Mr Lynch said it was the alleged perpetrator’s fault, not the pub or its staff.

“Businesses are suffering because some of the choices people are making on their way out of the pub, full of drugs or alcohol,” Mr Lynch said.

“When it spills out onto the street, I’m not sure what pub security can actually do.

“Instead of blaming the pub, why not blame the people involved.”

Mr Lynch said like many parts of the state, the Fraser Coast was battling the youth crime crisis.

He said some of the alleged violence had spread to restaurant windows being kicked in and general petty theft which had forced some businesses to beef up security.

“It’s the minority causing the trouble, but the community suffers,” he said.

“These bad incidents are not reflective of the community.

“It’s a great seaside town. And these idiots should not tar the town.”

Police probe wild pub brawl caught on camera

Police are continuing their investigation into a wild brawl that left four people in hospital over the weekend.

Bystanders captured terrifying footage of the brawl outside a hotel in Hervey Bay on Saturday, April 23, as a street erupted into chaos.

Witnesses said scooters and poles were sent flying and a hammer was pulled during the fight outside the Torquay Hotel on 421 Esplanade, about 11.45pm.

The group of brawlers are believed to have largely dispersed after police arrived, and most of those involved did not speak to police.

Four patients were transported in stable conditions to Hervey Bay Hospital.

A fifth patient was also assessed but declined transport.

Maryborough Patrol Group officer Glenn Cameron said one man had been banned from the Torquay Hotel in the wake of the incident.

“Police work closely with the Office of Liquor and Gaming and licenced venues to promote safe nights out, including the responsible service of alcohol,” Acting Inspector Cameron said.

A still from a video of the brawl. Picture: Supplied

“The recent events in Torquay are concerning and are under investigation.

“The community can be assured police will take all complaints seriously and will prosecute where appropriate.”

Police have issued a 18-year-old Kawungan man with an Infringement Notice – disorderly behaviour in or near a licenced premises, attracting an $827 fine, and investigations are ongoing into other people involved.

He was also issued with a banning notice for the Torquay Hotel.

It is understood one of the people involved complained to police of an assault, however no charges have been laid.

In a statement, Torquay Hotel publican Darren Carter condemned the actions of those involved.

“Aggressive and unruly behaviour will not be tolerated at the Torquay Hotel,” he said.

“For the safety of our staff and our patrons, the hotel will now close at 11pm on Saturdays.

“Due to a small percentage of individuals thinking they have a right to go out and harm other people, this is totally unacceptable.”

Publican Darren Carter at the Torquay Hotel. Mr Carter has made the tough decision to close earlier to try and avoid violence at his business. Picture: Lachie Millard.

Mr Carter thanked the patrons who had done the right thing and enjoyed nights out.

“This decision will remain in place until further notice,” he said.

The affray follows on from another incident at the Torquay Hotel last week.

On April 17, a 23-year-old Scarness man was charged with assault after allegedly throwing a punch and causing another man to suffer head injuries.

At the time, some locals said brawls and fights were becoming commonplace in the Torquay area during weekends, and they hoped those involved would be dealt with by the law.