The death of a 33-year-old man assaulted outside a Corydon Avenue bar is raising questions about the training of bar security staff.
Gary Rent, 33, was assaulted outside Bar Italia, near the intersection of Corydon Avenue and Cockburn Street around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, said police.
Rent was rushed to hospital in critical condition but died from injuries, said police on Thursday.
One of the bar's bouncers has been charged with manslaughter.
Rent's mother told CTV News she's distraught over the lost of her son.
"I tried to follow him, watch over him. I did my best, but he's gone," said Deanna Rent.
The death has sparked questions about the security training for bar staff.
Security guards in Manitoba must pass a 40-hour training course.
But bar staff, such as bouncers, can start work after completing a one-hour online course.
Stan Payne with the North West Law Enforcement Academy said he believes bars too often hire for muscle, instead of communication skills.
"What I find is you can be very effective just talking somebody down," said Payne.
In 2004, James Hanson died after a fight with security staff outside a Pembina night club. The bouncers were later found not guilty. One month later, Denis Vandal died after an altercation with a doorman at Silverado's. Those charges were stayed.
Following an inquest into the death of another man at the St. Regis Hotel, a judge recommended that bar staff need more training.
Since December 2009, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission has been working with police and industry officials to improve bar staff training. The MLCC wouldn't talk specifics, however.
MLCC officials did say, however, that material will be drawn on from the security guard course, such as knowing what to do when there are communication issues with patrons.
The MLCC said it's still working on the improved training and will be sending recommendations to the province soon.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
