A 36-year-old man has died following an incident at a Bracken Ridge bottle shop on Wednesday night, after he was restrained by staff and bystanders while reportedly armed with a screwdriver.
The Bracken Ridge bottle shop death occurred at Harry Brown’s, the liquor store operating within the Bracken Ridge Tavern on Barrett Street, with emergency services called to the scene shortly after 8pm. Witnesses say the man had been causing a disturbance and was carrying a screwdriver when workers and members of the public stepped in to restrain him. He lost consciousness during the restraint, and despite police performing CPR on arrival, he could not be revived.
Queensland Police have since opened an investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Both Harry Brown’s and the Bracken Ridge Tavern were open as normal the following day, Thursday. The tavern issued a statement on Facebook expressing condolences to the man’s family and friends, and acknowledging the toll the event had taken on those who were there.
The venue also acknowledged the courage shown by the people who intervened, noting it had been a serious security incident that ended in tragedy. The statement recognised the tavern’s long-standing ties to the local area, and thanked the community for the support shown to all those affected in the hours since.
The coroner will ultimately determine the cause and manner of the man’s death. Anyone in the community with information relevant to the incident is encouraged to contact Queensland Police.
Published 2-July-2026
