Police called after brawl inside newly opened restaurant

A brawl occurred on Friday at the recently opened Portugalia restaurant. The incident happened at dinner time, while the restaurant was reportedly full, when a fight between staff members occurred. When police were called to the site some witnesses said that they had seen staff running away from the restaurant.
Contacted by the Times, the police confirmed having been called to the restaurant and labeled the case an “ordinary labor dispute.” No arrests were made or illegal workers found at the restaurant. According to police, the case is “settled.” The Times sought comment from the local management of the restaurant and from Portugalia’s headquarters in Lisbon.
Bruno Castro, Portugalia’s executive manager for international operations confirmed the occurrence. “The incident was solved promptly and in the most appropriate way, given the circumstances. Portugalia Macau is operating normally since Saturday (within the established schedule) and receives all the customers with the same friendliness and professionalism as usual,” he said.
Portugália, one of Portugals best-known restaurant chains, opened its first location in Macau last month. The new restaurant is located in Taipa Village (Mercadores Street No.5). A press release issued when the restaurant opened its doors mentions that the Macau venture “is the result of an international expansion plan developed over several years, and marks the fi­rst of several direct investments in Asia.”
The opening matched the 90th anniversary celebration of the brand, which was originally a brewery before becoming known for the quality of its steak. It is the chain’s fi­rst beerhouse outside of Portugal.  PB