POLICE and Glasgow City Council have warned the public that there is no change to the city’s outdoor booze ban as more pubs launch ‘takeaway’ pints.

There was disappointment for licensees after Nicola Sturgeon’s phase two announcement on Thursday did not permit venues to reopen outdoor areas as had been widely expected.

The First Minister has taken a more cautious approach to the lifting of lockdown restrictions amid fears of a second wave of Covid. It is thought there may be some concern that social distancing might not be adhered to in an environment where clusters of people are drinking alcohol.

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A number of pubs including Inn Deep, which is close to Kelvingrove Park, have started offering takeaway pints. The business shared a picture on social media of a long queue outside the bar, encouraging drinkers to recycle its plastic glasses.

Singer Lewis Capaldi was spotted enjoying a pint outside the Stag and Thistle on Pollokshaws Road in the city’s South Side, while West Brewery has also launched a takeaway drinks service as well as another off Byres Road.

Glasgow Times:

Glasgow City Council said it is sympathetic to licensees who are facing significant financial challenges after a 13-week closure but stressed  that the drinking by-laws were still very much in force.

The council shared a tweet ahead of the weekend urging the public not to take alcohol into its parks.

A council spokesman said: “We are doing everything we possibly can to support the licensed trade at this difficult time.

“We have established our City Services team which is preparing to help make the gradual reopening of pubs and restaurants as straightforward as possible when national guidance allows this to happen.

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“The public drinking by-law is intended to support and protect communities as public alcohol consumption can fuel anti-social behaviour.

“We would be very concerned if any premises was currently selling alcohol in open containers as this would potentially encourage customers to breach the by-law.

“Licensing standards officers will be contacting premises to remind the licence holders of their responsibilities.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman added: “Existing by-laws are still applicable and officers will deal with incidents of street drinking appropriately.”