ASSAULT FOR BEER

a shopkeeper and thief got into a scuffle over a beer heist at the gourmet grocery deli, 850 amsterdam ave. between west 101st and 102nd streets. police said that on new year's day at 8 p.m., the 36-year-old employee noticed the beer thief and tried to stop him. the robber punched the employee in the mouth and a tussle ensued. cops said the suspect ran out of the store with a six-pack of corona and into the building next door, 830 amsterdam ave.