Pubs anger at 'heavy-handed' Glasgow cops

A police chief has denied trade claims that heavy-handed and obnoxious officers have made Glasgow "a police state".

A summit meeting was held between police and pub operators yesterday after around 30 pub, club and bar operators backed a formal letter of complaint to the Chief Constable. The letter alleges police have used aggressive, unreasonable and even illegal tactics during visits to city centre venues.

But the woman at the centre of the storm, Chief Superintendent Anne McGuire, maintains officers have only been taking appropriate action.

Eddie Tobin, chairman of the Scottish Late Night Operators Association, who signed the letter, said: "The actions of police over the past three weeks have put our relationship with them at an all-time low.

"Teams of officers have been charging into premises, prompting customers to believe that there was a serious incident, when it in fact there was absolutely no reason for their actions. This created panic as customers believed the premises were being raided."

Further claims in the letter include SIA badged stewards being searched by police with metal detectors in front of queuing customers.

Companies which put their name to the wide-ranging complaint include city operators CPL, Lynnet Leisure and Helena Leisure.

However Stephen McBride, bars manager at Glasgow West End hybrid venue Oran Mor, told thepublican​.com​: "We've no complaint about police - and Anne McGuire has made it clear at our local Pubwatch meeting she wants to work with the trade."

In a statement, Chief Superintendent McGuire said premises which failed to address earlier police concerns had been subject to "a robust programme of inspection."

She said offences detected included violence, drunkenness, drug abuse, use of unlicensed stewards and other breaches of licensing legislation.

However she added: "Licensees must take responsibility for their premises and customers and I am committed to assist and support them in their efforts. Partnership is the only way it can happen.

After yesterday's meeting a joint-statement was released by police and the pub operators which said the meeting was "useful and productive".