Scots police want 9pm glass ban

Inverness police have submitted proposals to the city's licensing board for a blanket ban on glass.

Under the plans, polycarbonates and plastic bottles would be compulsory in all pubs and clubs in Inverness after 9pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and

Sundays.

We don't have a problem with glass-bans in individual premises, when they are considered necessary, but we think blanket bans are disproportionate and unfair.​We don't have a problem with glass-bans in individual premises, when they are considered necessary, but we think blanket bans are disproportionate and unfair.

Inverness & Highlands region of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) area manager Ramsay McGhee said: "We discussed plastic glass in Inverness premises after midnight, but this is the first we've heard about bans from 9pm. ​

"We support the police in many ways. Health and safety is a big priority for us, but this is a step too far - it will affect every pub, bar and club in Inverness.

"The police are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

"Glassings have been a problem in a few places, but the authorities should look at these cases individually."

Chief Inspector Donald Henderson, of Inverness Police, said: "This is an initiative that will be put before the Inverness City Council licensing board in the next few weeks. ​

"We consider that it would be a pro-active measure in reducing risks to customers and staff after a marked increase in glass-related attacks in Inverness."

Scottish Beer & Pub Association chief executive Patrick Browne said: "We fought an identical battle in Glasgow last year. ​

"Glasgow City Council caved before it went to court and had to pay us £19,000 in legal costs. According to the 1976 Scottish Licensing Act, blanket bans on glass are illegal. In our eyes, they would be unacceptable.

"We don't have a problem with glass-bans in individual premises, when they are considered necessary, but we think blanket bans are disproportionate and unfair."

The plans are likely to be heard by Inverness City Council in the next few weeks.

Visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/plasticglass/ to sign the MA's anti glass ban petition.