Pub objects to plastic glass request from police in bid to be upmarket

Pub operators have appealed to licensing chiefs not to enforce police calls for plastic glasses to be used outside because it was not “upmarket” enough.

A representative for the Eagle Inn, Dunbar, applied to East Lothian Licensing Board for a change to hours which would see it open until 1am on Thursday evenings as well as making an outdoor seating area a permanent part of its operations.

However they asked the board not to impose a condition proposed by Police Scotland which would mean they had to use plastic containers to serve drinks outdoors.

They told the board the outdoor area had been used under occasional licences in the past and would only be open until 8pm so there would not be late night drinking in it.

And they revealed they already switched to plastic containers to serve customers in the last hour of trading in the pub to indicate closing time was approaching.

Putting their case to continue using glasses outside, they said: “When the outdoor area has operated so far glasses have been used and there have been no issues with that.

“From a customer perspective they expect to be offered drinks in glasses as part of the overall ambience. As part of having a more upmarket offering having to use plastic will impact on that.”

Police Scotland said it would accept the use of glass outdoors and not insist on the condition if the board approved.

Board chairperson Lachlan Bruce said: “On the issue of plastic glasses, I understand why they police put in that condition but it has been operating on occasional licences without that condition and seems to be working fine and safely.

“I also have concerns around the environmental impact of using plastic instead of reusable glass so won’t be suggesting it is imposed as a condition.”

The board unanimously backed the extension to the hours and outdoor use which will operate until 8pm.