Pub death hits bayside tourism

Kim Waters
THE death of man following a pub fight in St Leonards late last year has “scared off” summer holiday makers, according to a community representative.
St Leonards Community Association president Robert Hynes said the town was “still in shock” following 48-year-old Melbourne man Sandy Cooper’s death at St Leonards Hotel on December 9.
Mr Hynes said tourists were concerned about visiting the “usually-quiet” seaside town.
“I’ve had a few people say ‘oh, I won’t go to St Leonard’s any more’,” Mr Hynes said.
“The community has taken it badly and it’s been a devastating blow to the town.
“There has been very little information and police have informed locals that it will take quite some time to get the full facts,” he said.
“It’s definitely sent out a very clear message to holiday makers and we want to assure them that this kind of thing hasn’t ever happened before in the town and is a tragic once-off accident.”