Update: Armed robbery, Mermaid Beach

Police have charged a 39-year-old man over the alleged armed robbery of a tavern at Mermaid Beach on Friday July 5.

Around 12.45am, it is alleged a man armed with a machete and wearing a balaclava entered the premises through a rear entrance, approached a 37-year-old female staff member and demanded money.

The staff member went to a till to handover money when it is alleged a 29-year-old male patron of the tavern snuck up behind the offender and struck him to the head with a large stool.

The offender then stumbled backwards and allegedly struck out with the machete. The man allegedly continued to make demands for money at which time the female staff member handed over a sum of money.

It is alleged the man grabbed the money while the male patron continued to struggle with him. The man dropped the machete and ran out the back entrance with the money.

The female staff member and the male patron gave chase and allegedly wrestled with the man obtaining the money back before the offender fled the scene empty handed.

Neither the employee or the patron was physically injured during the incident.

A 39-year-old man from no fixed place of abode has been charged with one count of armed robbery and will appear in the Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow, Friday September 20, 2019.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP1901289850.