Bouncers' violence dismays judge

Photo / Herald on Sunday

A judge has told the hospitality industry to "have a look at itself" because of violence involving bouncers - but security representatives say they should be given stronger powers to deal with unruly patrons.

Judge Michael Crosbie raised his concerns when sentencing a manager and bouncer at the Dolls' House strip club in Christchurch for an "outrageously vicious" assault on a 19-year-old.

He jailed the man responsible, Stephen Mark Kincaid, 31, for 18 months.

Kincaid was working in the "hospitality security" industry despite two earlier convictions for assault.

"This is an industry that needs to continue to have a look at itself in terms of the background of those who come to work in it," the judge said.

The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Bill, expected to become law next year, will require workers such as bouncers to be registered and trained.

But Security Officers Association acting president Bryce Winstone believes the Summary Offences Act should be changed to make it legal for bouncers and security guards to at least detain and hold people until a police officer arrives.

"I completely understand where bouncers get stressed and thump somebody. The law says only the police can deal with the problem, and of course the police aren't there."

Mr Winstone - a Tauranga security guard - said security staff having powers of arrest "totally changes the degree of force that can be used".

"If you are not making an arrest, basically, you are picking a fight with that person, and that's where things get rapidly out of hand."

The new law will not extend the powers of security staff, and Mr Winstone says this will put bouncers in a position "where they have to do something to maintain order, but the law is not on their side. Until they fix that, you'll just continue to have the same problems."

Hospitality Association of New Zealand chief Bruce Robertson was lukewarm towards Mr Winstone's suggestions, preferring instead that the new law be given a chance to work before bouncers' powers were extended.

He said the new law should provide adequate training that would ensure bouncers "know what their limitations are and how far they can go".

Any plans to widen bouncers' powers of arrest and detainment were "something that could be looked at in the future".

A spokesman for Justice Minister Simon Power said the Security Officers Association's suggestions had been rejected by the select committee.

Trail of trouble

May 28: Bouncer Stephen Kincaid jailed for 18 months for bashing a Christchurch strip club patron last July, leaving him with a fractured skull and blind in one eye.

Nov 2009: A Napier bouncer is fined $400 after he admits assaulting a DJ at a city bar.

March 2008: A Tauranga bouncer gets six months' home detention after attacking his partner during an argument.

July 2005: Cedric George Joyce dies after being restrained outside a Blenheim bar. Two bouncers are charged with manslaughter but acquitted.