Licensee condemns city glass ban

Ken Storrie said the glass ban would hit continental beers and whisky

A licensee has condemned Glasgow's blanket ban on serving drinks in glass, which aims to reduce violent attacks.

Ken Storrie, of specialist whisky bar The Pot Still, has launched a campaign opposing the ban on glass which is to be introduced in pubs in January 2007.

Mr Storrie said that customers must retain choice and claimed the move would hit tourism.

Glasgow Licensing Board dismissed the campaign and said: "The policy is in place, it will not be changing."

Mr Storrie has called on licensees to write to all elected members in Glasgow opposing the ban.

The ban is already in force in city centre clubs and pubs with late night entertainment licences.

We believe it is the right thing to do and evidence suggests we have got it right Gordon Macdiarmid Licensing board chairman

It sees revellers served their drinks in plastic and toughened glasses to stop glass attacks.

Pubs have 10 months to comply.

Mr Storrie said he supports efforts to tackle violence but the ban "goes too far".

He said: "We must stop this in its tracks now.

"When people come to pubs it is about the product, it is about offering the customer choice.

"It should be up to the individual licensee to look at what they can do.

"This a serious issue that needs to be addressed through cooperation not enforcement."

Mr Storrie said any ban "will have a detrimental effect on tourism".

He accused the council of "bullying" licensees.

Those who do not sign up will lose regular extended opening hours.

'Total ignorance'

Mr Storrie believes toughened glass should be introduced only "where appropriate".

The bar stocks hundreds of whisky bottles and specialist beers.

It has toughened glass for standard drinks and specialist glasses for whisky and beer.

While The Pot Still could apply for an exemption for whisky nosing glasses, Mr Storrie said: "I shouldn't have to go down that road".

Gordon Macdiarmid, chairman of the Licensing Board, accused Mr Storrie of "total ignorance" in encouraging licensees to write to councillors.

He said: "The board has continually demonstrated its independence, it cannot be pressured.

"Although we have a policy position for the roll-out of a blanket ban, we have said everyone who wishes an exclusion is free to request it."

A total of 51 exemptions have been granted for nightclubs and late night bars serving champagne and specialist wine.

Mr Macdiarmid added: "We believe it is the right thing to do and evidence suggests we have got it right.

"There are no reasons why it should affect the tourist industry."

Mr Macdiarmid said he acted on evidence, demands from parents of victims, surgeons and police.