But antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related crime would not be tolerated, according to Maitland police.

A man was beaten and left unconscious after a brawl erupted between two groups of people in Maitland during the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident joins three other serious alcohol-related assaults in the Maitland area in less than three months.

In November, father-of-two, Tom Biviano was bashed within an inch of his life during an altercation in Ken Tubman Drive, while later that month two teenage males were attacked 24 hours apart in separate incidents.

Police were called to Ken Tubman Drive not far from the Candy Bar, at 4.30am on Sunday after reports a man aged in his 20s was knocked unconscious and had cuts to his face.

It is believed the victim was walking with a group of friends to the train station in Maitland when an argument erupted between them and another group passing by.

The argument escalated into a brawl that left three people wounded, including a young woman.

Security guards at the Candy Bar witnessed the brawl and intervened until police arrived.

Police spoke to a number of witnesses in relation to the incident, which assisted them in the arrest of a 20-year-old male, who was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Another three men from Tenambit, Rutherford and Broadmeadow were charged with affray and another three were issued with fail to quit notices after they refused to leave the area when police were dealing with the brawl.

Acting Inspector Joanne Schultz said incidents such as this were becoming a problem around the city, with call outs for alcohol-related assaults occurring each weekend.

She said, while most people who go out in Maitland were well-behaved, there were a number of people causing problems.

“We want people to go out and have a good night and have fun, but be safe,” Act Insp Schultz said. “If you’re walking between pubs or to the train station, be mindful of other people, but use available transportation where possible.

“We are looking at alcohol-related crime around the area.

“Antisocial behaviour within the city will not be tolerated and if we’re called to an incident we will use whatever force necessary,” she said.