Halifax bar temporarily loses licence after large brawl

A Halifax bar had its licence temporarily suspended hours after a large brawl that started insidespilled onto the street early Monday.

Police officers were called to the Dome on Argyle Street around 3:30 a.m. because of a fight inside the large nightclub complex, which is made up of a number of smaller bars.

Halifax police Sgt. Gary Smith said the first two officers to show up at the scene were assaulted by people inside the bar and suffered minor injuries.

By the time extra police arrived to help, there was a series of fights underway in the street.

"A group from inside had come out onto the sidewalk area where a number of smaller altercations ensued," said Smith.

Most of the 38 people who were arrested have been released, but atleast one person has been charged with assaulting a police officer.

The Alcohol and Gaming Authority suspended the Dome's licence until at least Fridayand its owners must meet with the provincial body on Thursday to discuss security.

On Friday, they've been ordered to appear before the Utilities and Review Board, the agency responsible for issuing liquor permits.

Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly and police Chief Frank Beazley issued a joint statement Monday saying they were dismayed by the number of alcohol-related violent incidents in recent weeks.

"The level of intoxication in the downtown core is extremely disconcerting," said Kelly. "We are particularly concerned about heavily discounted drink nights, which typically result in increased violence."

Police aggressive, some claim

Some of those arrested accuse police of a harsh response.

Lyra Burke, 19, said the officers acted aggressively toward a friend who was talking on a cellphone across the street from the bar, locally known as the Liquor Dome.

"I don't know what they were doing. I think they were just on a power trip in the fighting zone they wanted everyone to be fighting," she said.

Burke said a female friend of hers was choked when she tried to stop the police. Burke and her friends were arrested and spent the night in jail.

At least three other women who were arrested alleged that officers weretargeting black people.

Halifax Police Const. Jeff Carr denied the allegation, saying police acted appropriately.

"We responded to a large-scale disturbance and it's our job to restore our order," said Carr.

"If you're involved in that disturbance, you can expect to be arrested, regardless of the colour of your skin or your race."

Second majorincident

It's the second major incident in the area in as many weeks.

Last week, police charged a 19-year-old bouncer with aggravated assault after a man was allegedly punched outside Cheers Bar and Grill.

The 45-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after falling and striking his head on the sidewalk.