Pubs challenge glass ban

MORE than 160 pubs have launched a legal challenge to Glasgow's controversial glass ban - saying it should be decided on a pub to pub basis.

Acting under the umbrella of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SPBA), they are trying to overturn the ban on the use of glasses in pubs and clubs by raising an action at the Court of Session.

The SBPA says the ban sends out a negative message about drinking in Glasgow and may be an abuse of powers given to councils under the new Licensing Act.

SBPA spokesman Patrick Browne told the Scotsman newspaper: "We accept Glasgow's licensing board is acting in good faith in trying to address the issue of glassing incidents in the city, but we believe it is acting outside of its powers under the Licensing Act.​

"The industry is in full support of policies designed to target thugs who use glass as a weapon, but we believe the use of plastic bottles or toughened glass is best determined on a premises-by-premises basis and not across the board."

Currently the ban affects city-centre pubs but is due to be rolled out city-wide for premises with entertainment licences.