An NB liquor in uptown Saint John reduced its hours following a violent altercation that endangered staff and customers.
NB Liquor at 10 Wellington Row now closes at 7 p.m., two hours earlier than before.
The change follows a deadly incident outside the store in March.
“This is an additional security measure for the safety of our team and our customers,” said spokesperson Angela Bosse in an email statement. “This measure will be until further notice.”
According to a Saint John police release, on March 9 police responded to a call for stabbing in the area of Wellington Row.
Officers arrived just before 8 p.m., and found an unconscious 46-year old male and a conscious 44-year-old male.
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Both men had sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. The 46-year-old was later pronounced dead, while the 44-year-old remained in hospital in serious condition.
A 36-year-old suspect, found at the scene with minor injuries, was immediately arrested. He later appeared in provincial court on March 10, where he was charged with one count of attempted second-degree murder.
He was remanded in custody, with a return court date of March 24.
Bosse confirmed this was the incident that led to the change. She added that NB Liquor co-operated with the Saint John police “as needed” in their investigation.
Store staff said the reduced hours were introduced at the beginning of May. NB Liquor is not currently planning to implement the measure at other locations, Bosse said.
