Every week TheShout scours reports from every state and territory in the country to bring you news on crimes affecting the hotel, club and liquor industries. Know of an incident we’ve missed? Give us a shout at editor@54.64.152.77.
QLD
Brisbane Police arrested a 21 year-old man in connection to armed robberies at the Lucky Star Tavern at Sunnybank Hills on January 16 and the Mi Hi Tavern at Brassall on January 24. A machete and firearm were used in both robberies in addition to a stolen red BMW that was used as a getaway car and found burnt out by police in Ipswich on January 25.
A man wearing a bandana over his face and brandishing a firearm demanded money from a bar attendant at the Allenstown Hotel in Rockhampton on Wednesday night. The attendant complied and the offender escaped with cash from the till. He is described as Caucasian and in his early 20s.
A former Brisbane nightclub owner faces up to 20 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to being a major player in a commercial-grade methamphetamine trafficking ring. Justice Lyons is expected to pass judgement on Sean Filippa, who owned and managed Fortitude Valley nightclubs Scores and Rockafellas between 2003 and 2004, either today or early next week.
NT
Darwin Police issued a warning to nightclub patrons following an increase in the number of reported stealings of handbags, wallets and phones over that past two weeks. Patrons enjoying a night out are asked to ensure they keep their property with them or with trusted friends.
SA
The managers of a former Adelaide nightclub have been fined $2,000 each for allowing too many people into the venue. In July 2006, Rapture Nightclub exceeded its 400-person limit by almost 140. A second inspection in the following week found 37 patrons on a balcony licensed to hold 22. Rapture co-director Chris Cafkakis pleaded guilty to breaching the liquor licence on Wednesday. He claimed security guards were given hand-held counters and he had no idea how they had let in so many extra people.
VIC
Melbourne Police have released CCTV images of patrons they believe can assist them in their enquiries into a brawl that took place on Mercantile Lane bar last Saturday morning. Three males were seriously injured in the brawl that involved security staff from a Flinders Street premises.
NSW
The manager of a Sydney nightclub was wounded and two rugby league stars were shot at but escaped injury as a result of two separate shootings in Sydney’s Kings Cross entertainment district on Sunday night. Sapphire Suite manager, Charlie Saleh, was shot in the thigh outside his Kellett Street club at approximately 8:30pm. In a separate incident, rugby league players Jarryd Hayne and Mark Gasnier were targeted by a gunman while exiting the Las Vegas Hotel a few hours later, AAP reported. It is believed the shooter was involved in a brawl inside the hotel earlier in the evening.