A fresh petition has been launched calling for an end to Glasgow’s ‘anti-working class’ outdoor drinking ban.

Hundreds of people have signed the online petition since it was started on Tuesday. 

Glasgow introduced the by-law in 1996 - which carries a fine of up to £500 - broadly to give police another tool for managing anti-social behaviour. 

The Herald is only £1 for three months.
This offer ends TONIGHT so click here and don't miss out!

Under provisions contained in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, local authorities have the power to make by-laws to prohibit the drinking of alcohol in designated public places, subject to confirmation by Scottish Ministers. 

READ MORE: Glasgow arts centre restaurant closed amid bitter staff dispute

To date, 27 local authorities across Scotland have by-laws which prohibit the drinking of alcohol in designated public places in more than 480 towns and villages across Scotland.

The consumption of alcohol in public places is permitted in Edinburgh, but under The City of Edinburgh Council by-law, anyone drinking in public has to stop if asked by police.

The Glasgow by-law is reviewed every 10 years by the council, with councillors last voting to keep it in place with the backing of Police Scotland back in 2019. 

The petition demands that the ban should be ended so that, in the summer, Glaswegians “can enjoy a small drink in the sunshine, without being fined or arrested”. 

The author of the petition wrote: “This byelaw is anti-working-class and benefits only pub, bars and restaurant owners, at the expense of the poor who simply wish to enjoy their local parks with a small beverage in the same way our neighbours in Edinburgh do.

“Thus, we demand an end to these byelaws, so that this summer, people can enjoy a small drink in the sunshine, without being fined or arrested. We realise the concerns around this issue, so would request that even a cans and plastic bottles policy can be enforced instead. This would remove the arguments around violence as a result of glass bottles as weapons.”

The petition comes weeks after police issued a reminder to Glaswegians that “antisocial behaviour and other criminal acts” will not be tolerated in Kelvingrove Park - considered a hotspot for public drinking in the summer months. 

The reminder, from Chief Inspector Paul Douglas, local area commander for the west end of Glasgow, came with a warning that “any alcohol found in the park will be seized and disposed of accordingly”.

Responding to news of the petition, a Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “It was agreed by the council in 2019 that the public drinking bye-law should be retained and it now remains in place until 2029 before it requires to be reviewed.

“In 2019 our household survey indicated 83% of people in the city were supportive of the ban. Police Scotland also supported the retention of bye-law as in their view it provided great assistance in combating violence, disorder and underage alcohol consumption.

“To change the bye-law before it next comes up for review, a lengthy democratic process must be undertaken and there are currently no plans to start that process.

“In line with the relevant legislation, enforcement of the bye-law is a matter for the police.”