Glasgow City Council are to ban the sale of takeaway pints in response to a spike in anti-social behaviour across the city.
Council staff say that despite their attempts to support the city's hospitality trade throughout the coronavirus crisis, after having been 'inundated' with complaints about people drinking and urinating in public the sale of alcohol for consumption 'off premises' will soon be forbidden.
The restrictions will come into force on Monday, July 6, the same day on which beer gardens can begin to open up in Glasgow in line with the Scottish Government's lockdown guidance.
A spokesperson for the council is quoted by the Daily Record as saying: "Over the course of lockdown, we’ve been inundated with complaints about premises selling ‘take away’ drinks, often in disposable, plastic cups.
"Unfortunately, the sale of alcohol in this way has led directly to public drinking and public urination, which is unacceptable, anti-social behaviour.
“Due to the volume of complaints, the situation has now become untenable and risks damaging the reputation of the city’s responsible licensed trade.
“We have been doing everything we can to support the licensed trade during what has been an exceptionally challenging period.
“But with pubs and restaurants able to open outdoor areas from July 6, we will no longer accept the sale of takeaway-style alcohol for consumption directly off the premises.
“Any premises that continues to sell takeaway drinks risks losing the occasional licence that allows them to operate an external area during the emergency period.
“Premises may also face a review of their licence.
“To ensure the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety are being met, premises can only use their off-licence for home delivery or to sell pre-packaged, properly sealed products such as a bottles of wine or cans of beer.”
