Staff, chef injured after violent altercation at Calgary cocktail bar
Posted May 26, 2026 6:56 am.
Last Updated May 29, 2026 10:02 am.
Two people are facing charges after staff at a downtown Calgary cocktail bar were assaulted in a violent altercation sparked by customers in mid-May.
Shelter Cocktail Bar on 12 Avenue and 1 Street SW said on social media that the incident happened on May 15.
Calgary police say the two patrons got aggressive after consuming alcohol and assaulted several staff members.
Chef Rich McLaren had to get six stitches and suffered a facial fracture in the fight.
They were then asked to leave.
Police say as one of the suspects was exiting, he caused damage to the bar’s door.
A post to social media says the business is proud of how its staff handled an extremely difficult situation.
“The past few days have been difficult, but also deeply reassuring in seeing the amount of support shown toward our staff,” it reads.
“Hospitality workers deserve to feel safe at work. Behind every bar, kitchen, and dining room are people simply trying to create a good experience for others, and violence toward hospitality workers should never be normalized or accepted.”
Police attended the scene and arrested a woman. She has been charged with one count of assault.
The male suspect fled on foot and assaulted the officers who tried to arrest him.
He was eventually arrested and charged with one count of assault by choking, one count of common assault, two counts of assault with intent to resist arrest, and one count of mischief.
Shelter was recently selected as one of Canada’s top 100 bars. It was one of six Calgary bars selected.
