Engaging in a bar fight can have serious consequences, both in terms of personal safety and legal repercussions. I’ve been on the giving and receiving end, both as a bouncer and as a patron. As I mentioned in my book We Make Ghosts, once, while in a bar I was glassed over the head by a man who liked to waste a good pint of Guinness. I still have the head scar today. Like most cowards, he was okay trying to do damage, but unwilling to pay the price for the things he broke. While doing minor damage to me, his glass cut the ligaments in his hand. Four against two was not the way to go. My partner and I were literally fighting for our lives. It was a very frenetic and dangerous event. We were throwing ash trays and beer bottles and glasses, to injure or kill them. I was so blinded by the blood spilling down my face and all over my shirt that I could barely see. Tables were knocked over, and chairs were used to smash each other. After the pepper spray cleared we observed dozens and dozens of patrons crying and wailing. We were calm, because we’ve been in these situations before, but the crowd was not. I had to go to the hospital and get a shard of glass removed that went under the skin of my head. They lost, and we won, but he tried to sue. The case was dropped due to a smart investigator and an eyewitness.
So what is my point of view on situations like this one? Such altercations can lead to physical injuries, property damage, and potential criminal charges. Yeah, it looks cool in the movies, but there are consequences to be paid in real life.
Bar fights often involve uncontrolled violence and aggression. Combatants are rarely holding back. I recall witnessing a large Samoan using an upturned pub table as a potato masher on someone’s head, after his partner already knocked the hapless victim out. His friends didn’t want to protect him by fighting back. It didn’t end well. My partner and I were drinking beers. All we could do was jump on top of the bar and stand and watch, as I was too slow and useless by being inebriated. Anytime a combatant isn’t holding back the risk of severe injuries significantly increases. Broken bones can be caused by punches, kicks and the use of weapons. Consider too concussions, lacerations, or even permanent disabilities. Bar fights have even resulted in fatalities. Engaging in physical altercations puts your well-being and the well-being of others at serious risk.
There are legal consequences that come with fighting. I know. I got into it with three minor celebrities on three different occasions, and one of them cost me money. Imagine if these jokers had enough money to pursue a good lawyer. Not only that, it was on my record for years and years. If you fight you might find yourself in court with criminal charges, depending on the severity of the incident and the jurisdiction. Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. Assault and battery charges are common, and if you use a weapon or cause serious bodily harm, well those charges and potential sentences can become worse for your life. Got it?
I didn’t say don’t protect yourself. I always recommend disengaging immediately, and leaving the scene when its safe. There are lots of places to drink in any town or city, so just leave. The concept of self-defense typically allows individuals to use reasonable force to protect themselves from immediate harm, but that doesn’t mean that you have unlimited authority to escalate the violence, or to even initiate it. Your legal troubles might not be over with the charges for fighting. You might be responsible for the collateral damage to the establishment’s property or personal belongings. You may be held liable for the costs of repairs or replacement, in addition to any criminal charges you may face. Breaking furniture, smashing glassware, or causing other forms of property damage can lead to additional legal consequences, so consider that.
Fighting also poses a threat to bystanders and the overall public safety. I have been in plenty of fights where there was collateral damage, and its shameful on my part that bystanders got hurt. Law enforcement agencies take public safety seriously and will intervene to restore order, which often results in arrests and legal consequences for those involved. Engaging in violence not only jeopardizes your own well-being but also the safety of others. You could go to jail or the grave. Consider the risks before you go out and escalate a confrontation. Good luck to you.