City pubs face street flyer ban

Some pubs and clubs use flyers to attract customers

Aberdeen could become the first city in Scotland to impose a total ban on bars handing out street flyers to potential customers, BBC Scotland can reveal.

A powerful committee of councillors will consider their legal position after a number of complaints.

Grampian Police said some flyers were being used as "drinks promotions driven by desperation".

Officers have lodged their concerns about the issue with the city council's licensing committee.

The body has also received complaints from the public about the litter caused by abandoned leaflets.

The committee's convener, Muriel Jaffrey, is now looking into the legality of imposing a total ban.

The Aberdeen Licensed Trade association said the majority of its members would support the move, although some nightclubs see flyers as an effective method of advertising.