A BAN on any new alcohol licences in part of the city centre could be imposed to help cut crime.

Glasgow can use its over-provision policy to place a presumption on no more licences created in areas with high crime and anti-social behaviour.

There are already 13 areas with over-provision status all outside the city centre and in areas of high deprivation.

After looking at data from Police Scotland the council’s local licensing forum sub-group is recommending adding two more.

READ MORE: Glasgow B&M store refused permission to sell alcohol

City centre south, which includes the ‘four corners’ area at Argyle Street and Jamaica Street, is one of the areas.

Police information shows it is the top in the city for alcohol crimes with a rise of 132 between 2017 and 2022.

It was the top area for group one crimes, which are non-sexual crimes of violence including murder, attempted murder, serious assault, robbery and abduction, with an increase of 56 compared to 2017.

It was also top for “incidents of disorder” albeit with a significant reduction of 221 compared to 2017.

The sub-group includes representatives from hospitality, grocers, businesses, residents, police and the council.

The report stated: “It is important to note that this is an extremely busy part of Glasgow city centre, with a high concentration of shops, hotels, pubs, clubs and a nearby train station and therefore crimes and incidents of disorder could potentially be expected to be higher.

“It is also a known gathering point for youths from all over the city and areas outside of Glasgow with high profile policing in the area through initiatives such as the City Centre Policing Plan.”

READ MORE: Bid to let city centre pubs open till 1am 'should not be supported'

The other area being considered is Anderston, between the city centre and Finnieston.

Anderston was in the top 10 for alcohol crimes, with an increase of 112 crimes compared to 2017.

It was in the top 50% for group one crimes and the top third for incidents of disorder, albeit with a reduction of 102 compared to 2017.

The report stated Anderston “is also a thoroughfare to the nearby Finnieston area which is now popular for licensed premises and therefore it is perhaps not unexpected that there has been an increase in alcohol crimes compared to 2017".

The existing areas of over-provision were noted to have all seen a reduction in crime.

The areas are Bridgeton, Calton and Gallowgate, Carntyne West and Haghill, Govan and Linthouse, Ibrox, Keppochhill, Laurieston and Tradeston, Maryhill West, Parkhead West and Barrowfield, Possilpark, Ruchill, Shettleston North and Wyndford.

It has been recommended however that, for each, the status should stay the same.

The report states: “Crimes and incidents are at a level where remaining as an area of over-provision would potentially be beneficial."