New pub openings in Glasgow will be severely restricted but licensing chiefs in the city have vowed not to impose an outright ban on new venues.
It has been predicted that the city's licensing chiefs would follow the lead of neighbouring West Dunbartonshire, which will force anyone who wants a new licence to fight their case in court.
Instead Glasgow chiefs will curb the expansion of new licences in seven key city areas to tackle drink alcohol related crimes in the city. But it will also operate a "rebuttable presumption" policy - meaning new venues will still gain a new licence if they can persuade the board it won't cause harm.
It is understood the board is wary of new 'superpubs' opening but does not want to deter venues that attract tourists.
The blanket ban in West Dumbartonshire has been panned by Scottish Beer and Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne.
He said: "The board appears to be more interested in political grandstanding than it is in public health" - and predicted "inevitable" court challenges.
But licensees have welcomed the move.
Stuart MacDonald of Orchid pub the Stag's Head in Dumbarton, said: "It is a fact there are too many licences in Dumbarton, and it's correct to say we've reached saturation point."
And manager Caroline Clark at Clydebank pub John Brown's said: "We certainly don't need new pubs here - there are three close to mine - but I don't agree that pubs are to blame for drink abuse."