Detectives have charged a man with armed robbery after an incident at Mackay on December 17.

It will be alleged that around 2.20am a man forced entry to the Nebo Road hotel and confronted the two female employees who were performing closing duties.

The man allegedly pointed a shorten firearm at both staff, before demanding they hand over money from the poker machines.

During the incident the man allegedly assaulted one of the women.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with one count each of of armed robbery, enter premises to commit indictable offence and sexual assault whilst armed and two counts each of deprivation of liberty and common assault.

He is due to appear at the Rockhampton Magistrates Court this morning.