Police have charged three crowd controllers with 10 counts of assault following a number of separate incidents at prominent late night entertainment venues in the Hobart CBD and Salamanca areas.

Following an extensive investigation, police have charged a:

• 31-year-old Sandy Bay man with five counts of common assault.
• 28-year-old Kingston man with four counts of common assault.
• 27-year-old Moonah man with a single count of assault.

Police allege that some of the victims were slapped, kicked and struck to the throat.

“All people, including crowd controllers, are permitted to use reasonable force to defend themselves or others from attack,” said Inspector John Ward.

“However, from the footage we have reviewed, there is no justifying the excessive force used by these crowd controllers in what appears to be non-combative, intoxicated patrons.

“Members of the public deserve to feel safe in all licensed venues throughout the state regardless of whether they have had a few too many drinks.

“The overwhelming majority of crowd controllers in Hobart are professional and contribute greatly to the safety and vibrancy and the behaviour of those that do not will not be tolerated.

“As part of our investigation we were advised that all of the crowd controllers we have charged this week have either resigned or have had their employment terminated by their employer.”