Alleged bouncer assault at Famous Grouse pub in Lincoln, Canterbury investigated by police

An alleged assault by pub bouncers on a teen patron in Canterbury has now been referred to police.

The incident at The Famous Grouse in Lincoln on May 6 was caught on camera and shows two security staff kicking, pushing, and striking the youth after removing him from the bar area.

Footage supplied to the Herald by a source shows the two men continuing to confront the patron as he backed away from them down Gerald St.

When the Herald first reported the allegations, police were not aware of the matter.

A spokesperson has now confirmed that it is under investigation.

“We did receive a report of this, through 105, on 8 May. Inquiries are ongoing,” she said.

“Anyone who has information they would like to share can do so through our 105 service, quoting reference number 260508/0569.”

Pub co-owner Shaughn McNab did not respond to the Herald about the police involvement.

Last week, he provided a short statement by email about the alleged assault.

“We are undertaking a thorough review of what occurred with our independent security firm,” he said.

“We unfortunately cannot discuss this until the investigation is complete.”

The pub's co-owner says he is investigating the incident. Photo / Supplied

The source told the Herald the punter at the centre of the incident was 18 and had “done something minor wrong”, which resulted in him being removed from the pub.

They said he was guilty of “accidentally dropping a glass at the bar”, and security came up to “grab him and drag him out”.

“Several witnesses were present, and there is clear video evidence of the incident showing the actions that took place.

“They go far past the point of kicking someone out of a pub, clearly abusing their power and threatening him.

“The footage appears to show excessive and unnecessary force being used against the young man ... plus verbal abuse.

“A number of people who witnessed the incident are extremely concerned about the conduct displayed and believe the matter deserves public attention and investigation.“

The source said the alleged assault was “not an isolated incident and there had been ”repeated concerns” about the pub’s security staff “abusing their position and authority when dealing with members of the public”.

“There is a growing feeling within the community that there has been a serious abuse of power by some bouncers at the venue.”

The pub is well frequented by locals and students at nearby Lincoln University.

Anna Leask is a senior journalist who covers national crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2008 and has worked as a journalist for 20 years with a particular focus on family and gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual violence, homicides, mental health and youth crime. She writes, hosts and produces the award-winning podcast, A Moment In Crime, released monthly on nzherald.co.nz