Glasgow pubs call for clarification on promos ban

The ban on drinks promotions in Glasgow has left operators unsure whether even the simplest branding is in breach of the stringent rules laid down by the city's controversial licensing board.

A brand logo on a beermat or Optic could, in theory, breach a catch-all clause in the stringent promotions policy, which outlaws any activity by licensees which could 'condone or encourage' people to drink more.

Trade leaders accept that the Glasgow Licensing Board is unlikely to enforce the policy to such ridiculous extremes. But they say a reluctance by the board to clarify the scope of the ban has left pub and bar operators in an impossible position.

JD Wetherspoon and Yates are among companies who have asked for talks with Councillor Gordon Macdiarmid, head of the board, to discuss the scope of the ban. And both Wetherspoon and Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) have cancelled or scaled back their promotions.

M&B director of corporate affairs Jeremy Probert said: "We're happy to co-operate but we need clarification of this policy and have asked the licensing board for talks."

Paul Waterson, Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive, said the trade supported the board, as overprovision of licences in Glasgow means too many irresponsible happy hour and all-you-can-drink promotions operate there.

But he said: "Unless the board issues detailed guidance, responsible operators don't know what's permitted, while the rogues just carry on discounting."

He said Glasgow's board should look at the example of Perth, where a detailed policy on promotions had a positive impact. "We're now seeing a patchwork of policies across Scotland, where what we need is one approach that works," he added.

Cllr Macdiarmid has told a Glasgow newspaper that "clever people" will argue for their own promotions, but added that "it comes down to whether a particular promotion can be seen as an inducement for people to drink more alcohol". Cllr Macdiarmid did not respond to a request from The Publican for an interview to discuss the issue.