MELBOURNE, Australia – A Melbourne chef was reportedly attacked with a beer bottle when a group of youths surrounded his Southbank restaurant, prompting concern and outrage from the community.
The incident took place at 11pm on Thursday night when two individuals entered the Food Hall Thai restaurant on Gem Pl. The group demanded free drinks, and when the staff refused, they left and returned with more people, escalating the situation.
According to the restaurant owner, Terrance Khor, about 20 people, mostly teenagers, formed the group that surrounded the establishment. The chef was assaulted from behind with a beer bottle, and in a video of the altercation, one of the offenders is seen throwing a glass bottle that narrowly missed the person filming the incident.
The group was also captured on CCTV damaging the exterior of the restaurant, using chairs to smash windows and the front door, instilling fear in customers and staff. Despite reporting the attack to the police, Khor expressed dissatisfaction with the law enforcement’s response, stating that he and his staff felt uncared for.
The lack of immediate police response has prompted an investigation into the incident, and authorities are asking anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward. The community is left reeling from the shocking display of violence and the apparent lack of protection for the restaurant staff.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety and security in the hospitality industry and has raised concerns about the adequacy of law enforcement response to such incidents. As the investigation unfolds, the community is hoping for swift justice and meaningful support for the affected restaurant and its staff.