Men ‘try to flee police’ by climbing fence at pub

Latest incident adds to a spate of bad behaviour since pubs and clubs reopened their doors.

Two men allegedly attempted to flee police at Beaches Bar and Grill last Thursday. Picture: Deborah Friend

WHITSUNDAY police have reported an increase in rowdy behaviour at pubs and clubs across the region since coronavirus restrictions eased this month.

Acting Sergeant Aaron Fitzpatrick said officers had responded to “a large increase in calls for service for licensed venues and the streets within the Safe Night Precinct” in the two weeks since venues reopened.

The latest incident involved two men in their twenties who allegedly attempted to escape from police by climbing a fence at Beaches Bar and Grill.

Sgt Fitzpatrick said the two men from Cannonvale were asked to leave the venue last Thursday at 9.30pm “due to their behaviour”.

“Both a physical and verbal altercation occurred when police attempted to restrain the (men) after not complying with officer’s directions,” he said.

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“Both (men) attempted to flee when sighting police by climbing a fence within the venue.”

The men were charged for failing to leave a licensed premises and obstructing police.

The latest incident adds to the list of dramatic scenes on Airlie’s Main St this month.

Raphee Ronnie Hasem was jailed last week after she scratched a manager’s face and then assaulted police on July 2.

Earlier this month, a man allegedly ripped a nudge bar from a car and threatened police with it out the front of Magnums before he, and four other people in his group, were arrested.

Sgt Fitzpatrick said police had zero tolerance for any violence and disorderly behaviour within the Airlie Beach Safe Night Precinct.

He also reminded people that bans from the precinct for up to three months could be issued.

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