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Highlands Today

Early Closing Time Sparks Brawl

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GARY PINNELL

Highlands Today

Published: February 8, 2009

AVON PARK - Angry at being told to break up the party, patrons of Paul's Harborside Restaurant, 2451 U.S. 27 S., attacked the co-owner and robbed the bartender Saturday.

The co-owner, who wasn't named because the incident is still being investigated, told Deputy Hank Smith the patrons rented a portion of the restaurant for a private party.

At 1:30 p.m., the bar began to close. The patrons felt they were being shooed out early, became upset, and wanted their deposit back, the co-owner reported. Bars are required by law to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m.

When the co-owner said no, members of the party struck him several times in the head, he told deputies. The bartender said he was attacked by one man, and robbed of his wallet.

Weapons were not involved, said Lt. Keith Starling of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office. The co-owner refused medical treatment, and deputies observed no visible signs of injury.

Highlands Today senior reporter Gary Pinnell can be reached at gpinnell@highlandstoday.com or 863-386-5828

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