Bar brawl ends Melbourne Cup day for police

A LARGE latenight brawl outside a student pub marred an otherwise quiet Melbourne Cup day in Dunedin, police say.

Acting Inspector Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said there were seven evictions by police officers or security guards at the Wingatui Melbourne Cup Day on Monday, and one arrest after a ‘‘minor assault’’ on a security guard, but the event was not nearly as boozy as in previous years.

Twentynine people were treated by St John for a range of injuries and other issues, Insp Dinnissen said.

‘‘There was a combination of sunburn, twisted ankles from high heels and intoxication.

‘‘The levels of intoxication weren’t as [high] as in previous years.’’

Police believed a significant decrease in attendance was partly to thank for a relatively quiet day out.

Insp Dinnissen said police were called about midnight to a ‘‘large fracas’’ outside Starters Bar in Frederick St, resulting in two arrests and the early closure of the popular student haunt.

Also arrested overnight was a 21yearold man who crashed into parked cars in Brockville Rd.

He recorded a breath alcohol reading of 326mcg per litre of breath, higher than the legal limit of limit of 250mcg, and had received a summons to appear in court, Insp Dinnissen said.