By Tyler Wright
Police are investigating following reports of a brawl at the Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis on 29 July.
Officers were called to the venue on Belgrave-Gembrook Road where it’s believed up to 20 people were fighting inside and outside the venue just before 11pm.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Paradise Valley Hotel part owner Mark Protheroe said it is “unfortunate” the fight ruined a young man’s birthday.
“The actions of two carloads of youths from another suburb and the brutality with which they went about their actions was really disappointing,” Mr Protheroe said.
“Some of the footage that’s on the internet is obviously there as well.
“We aim to create a safe and respectful space for all patrons, and sometimes, regardless of our systems in place, like having that party exclusive and having someone on the door to monitor IDs, there’s still going to be an element of society that will be able to bypass that.”
In an incident not believed to be linked to the brawl, five CFA units were called to the hotel just hours after the fight at around 3am on Sunday 30 July after building materials were allegedly deliberately set on fire in a storage area underneath the venue’s balcony causing damage to the mains power and ground floor.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information or CCTV/Dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
The Paradise Valley Hotel was taken over by Mr Protheroe with business partners Joe Durrant and Steven Nelson in September 2019.
