Police were called to a Cardiff bar after what has been described as a "racially motivated" and "physically aggressive" attack on members of staff. The incident happened at Bootlegger bar on Womanby Street in the city centre.
The manager of the bar says the assault was directed at two members of staff and escalated from verbal abuse to a physical assault which they described as a "racially motivated attack". Jade Steer, the manager of Bootlegger, said the woman was initially asked to leave by members of staff as she was being "disruptive".
The incident happened at around 8pm on Tuesday, March 15. Police say their inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
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Ms Steer said that it was clear the woman had been drinking elsewhere before arriving at the venue and was initially asked by a female member of staff to leave the premises after being disruptive. When she refused to leave, she became verbally abusive towards the member of staff, as well as another male colleague.
"She was a difficult customer and she was politely asked to leave by staff. It was clear that she had been in other venues drinking throughout the day and had had a fair bit to drink. After being politely asked to leave she turned on staff, in what can only be called a racially motivated attack," said Ms Steer.
"It was both a verbal and physical assault. It was targetted at the two members of staff working, who managed to remove her."
The manager says that the male member of staff faced the brunt of the physical attack and has been left with some injuries as a result. She said that she is unsure if the woman had a drink at the venue but was apparently intoxicated on arrival.
"She was clearly intoxicated and was being disruptive, speaking to other customers, very loud." Ms Steer says that since joining Bootlegger eight months ago she has not seen a physical incident such as this.
"We work very hard to make sure that people don't get too drunk. It's such a shame because we work hard to make it a positive experience for everyone and create a good atmosphere and a nice environment."
She said that the incident has affected staff but the manager is "so proud" of how the team handled the assault. "It has a huge affect on the guys," she said.
"Obviously we have to make staff aware and look at what we can do going forward. She could have gone to any bar and caused an issue. I have to say other businesses have been supportive."
The Bootlegger team released a post about the incident on their Facebook page, stating they do not tolerate such abuse towards their staff in the bar. She says since then other venues have come forward stating the woman was intoxicated in their venues throughout the day and this is what helped Bootlegger identify her.
"I've looked on the CCTV and I have to say, our members of staff acted impeccably. I am so proud," she said. "We do not tolerate this and we are looking to prosecute over this."
The Facebook post read: "Last night we had an aggressive assault on two of our staff members in Cardiff. We are absolutely disgusted by this unacceptable behaviour and we will be prosecuting the party involved.
"To our involved staff members, this is not something you should ever have had to deal with and we are so proud of how you handled the situation. You were amazing and you deserve recognition for your efforts in managing the situation.
"This is a hazard of our industry but that doesn't mean that we will accept it as a "normality". Be respectful. Be kind. Or just get lost. To our customers who show our staff respect, thank you, you are what keeps us going."
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "On Tuesday evening, South Wales Police received a report of an unknown female being aggressive and verbally abusive towards staff at a premises in Womanby Street. Officers attended and enquiries are on-going."
