Pub group drops glass ban action
The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has dropped its legal battle over the proposed Glasgow-wide glass ban and is to receive compensation for its court costs.
The SBPA had sought a judicial review of the board's plan for a full ban in all licensed premises.
However, after a u-turn which saw only a partial ban implemented it called for compensation for the cost of raising the action.
Glasgow Licensing Board changed its policy just days before the judicial review was due to be heard.
The board has now been told to pay 80% of the costs of the SPBA's action.
The city's current ban means drinks have to be served in plastic or toughened glasses in all venues with entertainment licences.
We believe that the use of plastic bottles or toughened glass is best determined on a premises by premises basis where problems existPatrick Browne, SBPA chief executive.
There were concerns that a blanket ban would give the wrong impression of the city's pubs and clubs.
Patrick Browne, SBPA chief executive, said: "We always recognised that the licensing board in Glasgow was acting in good faith in trying to address the issue of 'glassing' incidents in the city.
"But we believed that the board's original attempt to have a blanket use on the use of toughened glass was wrong and outside of the board's powers.
"We believe there are still practical issues as to how the new policy will apply in Glasgow and we would hope that the Glasgow Licensing Board will continue to keep its policy under review in light of any issues that are raised."
He added: "The industry remains in full support of policies designed to target and tackle the violent thugs who use glass as a weapon, but we believe that the use of plastic bottles or toughened glass is best determined on a premises by premises basis where problems exist, and not across the board as was originally attempted."
If you are a registered user please click on the 'Post a new comment' link below to talk about this story and others in our discussion forums.
If you are not a registered user, click on the same button and follow the links to register for free.
