Date: 28th December 2007
Source: New York Times
2 Newark Bouncers Shot, One Fatally, After Dispute at Club
Two men who worked as bouncers at a bar were shot early Wednesday, one of them fatally, by a man they had turned away from the club earlier that night, the police said.
One of the bouncers, Jose A. Rivera, 39, was shot in the torso and died of his injuries after being taken to University Hospital here. The other victim, a 36-year-old man whom the police did not identify, was shot in the face and was treated at University Hospital. His wounds were not life-threatening, officials said.
The police arrested one suspect, Jimmy Zamuz, 27, and charged him with weapons possession and illegal discharge of a firearm within the city limits. They were searching for a second man on Wednesday night.
The shooting occurred after two men began arguing with the bouncers, who refused to let them in the Centro Orensano Social Club, at Lafayette and Bruen Streets in the Ironbound neighborhood, the police said.
About 3:30 a.m., after the club closed, the bouncers encountered the two men at Andros Diner on Wilson Avenue, less than a mile from the nightclub. The argument began again, the police said, and one of the men who had been turned away from the club fired several shots outside the diner.
The bouncer who was shot in the face detained Mr. Zamuz until officers arrived, the police said. He was not carrying a weapon, they said, but they found a gun at the scene.
Mr. Rivera’s death brought the number of homicides here this year to 97, down from 106 at the same point in 2006, the police said.
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Date: 28th December 2007
Source: Amhurst Daily News - Canada
Door staff praised by some eyewitnesses after brawl
Bouncers have been at the centre of much of the recent controversy surrounding a popular late-night watering hole. But in the wake of a brawl that landed 38 patrons in police custody at The Dome early Monday, several eyewitnesses are praising door staff.
On The Daily News website, Witness From N.S. described the atmosphere at closing time as ‘‘a lawless society,’’ saying that those involved were taking ‘‘cheap shots,’’ hitting police officers in the head with bottles.
‘‘These doormen stood up strong in the middle of chaos. They stuck together and handled themselves like true professionals in the middle of absolute mayhem. The cops also did a fantastic job and deserve nothing but the utmost respect.’’
As the fight spilled out onto Grafton and Argyle streets, police called Mounties for backup. One officer suffered minor injuries.
An online poster called In The Industry From N.S., who also claims to have been in the bar at the time, credits bouncers with preventing a large group from attacking a lone patron.
‘‘They saved the one guy who would have been brutally beaten.’’
Several people denied that the fight was racially charged.
A witness told The Daily News Monday that police were specifically targeting black people.
But police spokesman Const. Jeff Carr said that’s not true. Police were called because of a large disturbance, and arrested those whodidn’t move along as ordered, he said.
‘‘If you’re involved in that disturbance, you can expect to be arrested, regardless of the colour of your skin or your race,’’ he said.
Police charged 38 people with public intoxication, breaching the peace, and at least one person was charged with assaulting a police officer.
It appears the brawl was the final straw for The Dome, which has had its liquor licence suspended at least until Friday, when there will be a Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board hearing.
According to the emergency suspension order issued by the province Monday, the fight was just one of a number of incidents that have occurred at the establishment, owned by the Grafton-Connors Group, over the past four weeks.
‘‘The police and the (Alcohol and Gaming Division of the Environment and Labour Department) are concerned that the Licensee does not have the orderly control and operation of the licensed premises,’’ it reads.
Before the hearing, the owners must provide the board with a plan to improve security.
Monday morning’s fight occurred after one of The Dome’s notorious $1 drink nights.
In a news release, Mayor Peter Kelly and police Chief Frank Beazley blamed violence on cheap booze.
Just last week, a punch from a bouncer outside Cheers Bar & Grill, one of several bars in The Dome, landed a man in hospital with head severe injuries.
The bouncer, 19-year-old Jarrett Charles Franklin Simmons, is facing charges of aggravated assault in connection with the incident.
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Date: 7th December 2007
Source: Stuff.co.nz - New Zealand
Police, bouncers, liquor licensors team against crime
Bouncers, police and council liquor licensing staff in three Manukau town centres have teamed up to help crack down on violence around bars and pubs.
Those involved with Bar Safe, a pilot project that aims to lower violence, have been allocated special jackets to be worn up to two hours before bars and pubs close.
They have also been connected to a dedicated radio network to enable staff to communicate closely with one another.
Bar Safe began on November 8 and involves central areas of Hunters Corner, Manurewa and Highland Park.
Counties Manukau district licensing unit sergeant Gavin Campbell says the project is adapted from a similar model in the United Kingdom where it has cut violence in city centres by 30 percent.
It’s hoped the project will make people think twice about causing trouble as they spill out of bars and make their way home, he says.
"People who have been denied entry because they’re drunk or who have been kicked out for causing trouble often migrate to the next pub.
"Bar Safe will ensure security staff can warn other licensees they are on their way and who to look out for."
Liquor licensing inspector Paul Radich is excited about the project and its potential to make the areas safer.
"Reducing intoxication and antisocial behaviour is nothing but beneficial for everyone," he says.
Bar staff have attended training seminars to learn about the pilot project.
The project, which has cost $23,000 to launch and equip, is funded by the Accident Compensation Commission and is administered by the police and Manukau District Licensing Agency.
Mr Campbell says the project is already affecting behaviour and he anticipates less alcohol-related violence.
The pilot ends on September 30 next year
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