Police target bars after Hamilton brawls

Police are using surveillance camera footage like this to identify offenders after the late-night mayhem.

Hamilton bars have come under fire for fuelling a drunken brawl involving hundreds of young men that erupted on the city's streets early yesterday.

About 20 police were forced to retreat after being confronted by up to 300 mainly drunk young men as they tried to break up fights outside bars closing around 3am.

Hamilton city area commander Inspector Paul Carpenter said it took more than 40 minutes and needed police dogs and pepper spray to restore order.

Ten people were arrested. More arrests could follow after police study video footage from street surveillance cameras.

Mr Carpenter said police would also investigate the involvement of some bars that served drunk customers.

"There would appear to be some fights that originated at a couple of licensed premises in particular. There are a couple of bars we will be focusing on," he said.

Mr Carpenter urged the owners of bars and clubs to be more responsible.

"There were a large number of very aggressive and very drunk people out on the street either looking for a fight or spurring on others to start a fight.

"Bars and clubs in the area must take some responsibility for incidents like this. The fighting started when the bars closed and we would question the host responsibilities of these establishments.

"They should not be letting patrons get this drunk and then setting them loose on the rest of the community."

Altitude nightclub owner Laurie Weake supported the police calls.

"I agree with the police, but they must be accurate about which bars they are targeting."

Mr Weake also called for a greater police presence on city streets at night.

"When police are around in a passive presence things are better. When they are not, there is more trouble."