Glasgow faces freeze on new pub openings

Glasgow is facing a ban on the opening of new pubs, clubs and off-licences - and other Scottish councils are being urged to follow suit.

The city's authorities have identified seven areas where there are already enough licensed premises and want a moratorium.

A study by the Glasgow Licensing Board states: "Halting the growth of licensed premises in localities may be required to preserve public order."

Areas which could be hit include the West End's Byres Road, Sauchiehall Street and the Saltmarket.

Scottish Labour's health spokesman Richard Baker welcomed the approach and suggested other authorities should follow Glasgow's lead.

"I applaud Glasgow City Council for taking action to halt the over-provision of licensed premises in areas that have already reached saturation point," he said. "This is a move that should help to protect health, reduce crime and tackle public nuisance.

"I hope other local authorities will watch Glasgow's experience closely and consider similar measures in their own areas."

The police, health board and council departments, as well as politicians and community councils, helped identify the hotspots in the city.

But Patrick Browne, chief executive of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, hit out at the idea there was over-provision in Glasgow. He pointed to figures which show the number of licences in Glasgow and Dunbartonshire have fallen by 17 per cent since 2007.

He admitted that a freeze would add value to licences. But he added: "This also means it will be difficult for operators to enter the market and create a lack of competition and stifle the industry," he said. "And ultimately the customer will lose out."

The plans are now out for consultation and will be discussed later this month.