King Street club backs staff after viral eviction
Table of Contents
- Owner defends security as chair-throwing clip sparks worldwide attention
- What happened, and who was involved?
- Why the clip went viral
- How the venue responded
- Immediate safety and policy implications
- Key takeaways
- What this means for patrons and venues
- FAQs
- Final thoughts
Owner defends security as chair-throwing clip sparks worldwide attention
The King Street club backs staff after a viral eviction that shows a chaotic ejection and a chair used as a weapon. The clip, filmed outside a gentleman’s club on Melbourne’s King Street, has been watched millions of times and raised fresh questions about crowd control, venue responsibility and public safety.
Footage circulated online shows a man being removed from the venue while a chair is hurled from the crowd — apparently aimed at a security guard and striking another patron instead. The bar’s co‑owner, Michael Trimble of Bar 20, has publicly defended his team amid criticism that staff were rude or failed to check on the injured man.
What happened, and who was involved?
The incident occurred outside a gentleman’s club on King Street, Melbourne. New video released to the public captures the ejection escalating until a chair is weaponised.
According to reports and the club’s co‑owner, staff asked patrons to leave after an incident inside. When one man refused, security intervened. During the scuffle, a chair was thrown by someone apparently connected to the evictee and hit a bystander — described in the footage as “friendly fire”.
Why the clip went viral
The dramatic nature of the footage helped it spread quickly. Within 24 hours a Seven News story highlighting the clip accumulated more than 27 million views. Short, shocking moments — such as the audible impact and the visible chaos — make clips like this highly shareable on social platforms.
Public interest has focused on three things: the use of force during ejections, venue accountability after an injury, and the unexpected role of everyday objects — in this case, a chair — in escalating violence.
How the venue responded
Bar 20’s co‑owner, Michael Trimble, defended his bouncers and rejected suggestions staff had been neglectful. He said patrons had been “rude” and “aggressive” and refused to leave, forcing security to act.
“The problem was the chair. We need a statewide chair ban now.”
Trimble’s comments underline a common venue concern: how far to go to remove disruptive patrons while protecting others, and whether equipment or furniture should be restricted to reduce harm.
Immediate safety and policy implications
Venue managers and local authorities will likely revisit ejection protocols and the layout of outdoor queuing areas. The clip demonstrates how quickly a removal can escalate and the potential for bystanders to be harmed by improvised weapons.
Some possible measures venues may consider include clearer crowd‑control zones, staff refresher training on de‑escalation, and limiting loose furniture near exits. Any formal ban on chairs would require consultation with licensing bodies and city regulators.
Key takeaways
- Incident type: A viral clip shows an ejection outside a King Street gentleman’s club that escalated to a chair being thrown.
- Stakeholders: The club’s security team, the venue co‑owner Michael Trimble, the evicted patron and bystanders.
- Public reaction: Millions viewed the story within a day, sparking debate about venue safety and staff conduct.
- Policy focus: Potential changes include furniture management, clearer ejection procedures and staff de‑escalation training.
What this means for patrons and venues
Patrons should be aware that ejections can escalate and that being near an incident carries risk. Venues must balance customer service with robust safety procedures and clear communication.
Licensing authorities may look more closely at late‑night precincts such as King Street and consider targeted interventions to reduce street violence and protect vulnerable patrons.
FAQs
What exactly happened during the eviction?
The footage shows security removing an evicted patron from outside the club. During the altercation, a chair was thrown from the crowd, apparently aimed at security, but it struck another patron. The clip captures the moment and the chaos that followed.
Who has commented publicly about the incident?
Michael Trimble, co‑owner of Bar 20 on King Street, defended his security staff and said patrons had been aggressive and refused to leave. He also suggested a statewide ban on chairs in venues as a possible response.
Were there any serious injuries reported?
Reports mention an injured man and visible impact in the footage, but details on the severity of injuries are limited in public reporting. No formal medical updates were provided in the immediate coverage.
Could venues legally ban chairs or furniture?
A venue can restrict furniture on its premises, but a statewide ban would require action from licensing authorities or local government. Any such policy would need consultation and clear enforcement mechanisms.
What can patrons do to stay safe near venues?
Keep a safe distance from any altercation, comply with venue staff instructions, and report incidents to security or police rather than intervening. If you witness a violent act, seek a safe location and provide statements to authorities if asked.
Final thoughts
Short viral clips have power beyond entertainment; they shape public debate and can prompt policy discussions about safety in nightlife precincts. This King Street incident highlights the thin line venue staff walk between maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all patrons.
Whether that leads to new rules about furniture, tighter licensing conditions, or fresh training for security teams, one thing is clear: moments captured on smartphones are changing how cities think about late‑night safety.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here The owner of a King Street club backs his staff after viral video | 7NEWS
