New Zealand: Bar manager injured in attack by surprised straight drinkers
A bar manager from Wellington was attacked by a group of straight punters who hadn’t realised their were in a gay bar.
Steven Mawhinney said he was left with head injuries after a group of drinkers in the Ivy Bar and Cabaret last Friday “freaked out” after noticing that they were surrounded by gay customers.
He said the customers, on realising, began to leave, but not before shouting profanities, including anti-gay slurs. They also threw a can of alcohol at customers who were entering the bar.
After the offenders were forced out of the bar by Mr Mawhinney, then he said they began hitting him. He said he was punched around eight times in the face.
One 23-year-old man was arrested on the night of the incident, and was charged with two counts of common assault.
He was later released on bail, and is due to appear in court tomorrow.
