A Sydney convenience store proprietor has found himself facing serious criminal charges following a dramatic altercation that was broadcast live to his online audience. The incident, which involved the alleged brandishing of a hammer during a heated exchange with a customer, has drawn significant attention to the pressures and conflicts that can arise in late-night retail environments.
Midnight Confrontation Captured on Camera
The chaotic scene unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning at a store located on George Street, situated near the Wynyard light rail stop in Sydney's central business district. Anthony Zaiter, the 33-year-old owner of the establishment, regularly streams his interactions with patrons to followers on social media platforms, creating a controversial digital record of his business operations.
Dispute Over Facilities Escalates Rapidly
The confrontation began when a male customer entered the premises just after midnight and requested permission to use the toilet facilities. According to the livestream footage, Zaiter promptly refused this request and instructed the man to leave his store, uttering the phrase "see ya mate" in a dismissive manner.
The customer responded with the challenging statement: "You don't know who the f*** I am," to which Zaiter retorted: "I don't give a f***… you dirty dog." The verbal sparring continued with the patron demanding: "Who the f*** are you bro?"
Alleged Weapon Display During Altercation
At this critical juncture, the situation escalated dramatically. Zaiter allegedly reached beneath the counter and produced a hammer, which he then waved threateningly in the air. The customer, rather than retreating, reportedly challenged the store owner by stating: "Hit me with the hammer, I'll sue you."
The livestream allegedly captured Zaiter then escorting the man from the premises while still holding the tool, during which he is reported to have made racially charged remarks including "Get out of the shop… you Indian dog."
Police Intervention and Subsequent Arrest
Although the customer departed the scene initially, law enforcement officers arrived at the location minutes later in response to the incident. Zaiter was heard explaining to the first group of police that he was "just trying to run a business," after which they temporarily left the premises.
A second contingent of officers soon returned to question the store owner further. The livestream allegedly recorded Zaiter telling these officers to "f*** off" and "piss off," demonstrating continued resistance to police authority.
Resisting Arrest and Formal Charges
New South Wales Police confirmed that when they attempted to take Zaiter into custody, he allegedly resisted arrest by physically pushing officers away. During this struggle, the store owner was heard shouting "help, help" repeatedly.
A police spokesperson provided official details of the incident, stating: "Officers were told a man went into the store and asked the shop owner to use the toilet. The man's request was refused by the man in the store, who allegedly then threatened him with a hammer."
Zaiter was formally arrested and transported to Day Street Police Station for processing. The charges brought against him include:
- Being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence
- Hindering or resisting police officers in the execution of their duty
- Stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The accused appeared before the court on Saturday, where he was granted conditional bail. The terms of his release include requirements to maintain good behaviour and reside at a specified address until his next court appearance.
Zaiter is scheduled to return to the Downing Centre Local Court on February 4, where the legal proceedings against him will continue. This case highlights the growing phenomenon of business owners documenting their operations through livestreaming, and the potential legal consequences when such recordings capture criminal behaviour.
