Plans to serve beer in cans at Metallica concert at Hampden Park knocked back by police

A bid to serve cans of beer at a Metallica concert at Hampden has been turned down as police warn they could be thrown and pose a safety concern.

The ‘trial’ was proposed for the heavy metal gig on June 25 to reduce queues at the bar because serving tins of alcohol would save time pouring.

A police officer told the Glasgow licensing board the chief constable had concerns over public safety as cans could be used potentially as “projectiles.”

Lawyer Stephen McGowan, representing applicant Sodexo Limited, said the move to serve open cans of drink would be trialled as a pilot at the stadium so an assessment could be made on how “it has gone”.

Speaking at the licensing board meeting, he said the sale of cans would be restricted to a seated area and four bars.

Mr McGowan said: “Serving an open can is quicker. Queues will be quicker, which will get people into their seats settled so they can enjoy the concert.”

Mr McGowan said the applicant was happy to abide by police recommendations, which included no 500ml cans and that the sale of tins and alcohol should stop if there is an incident.

He added: “I understand well this is Glasgow. This is not Edinburgh. That is why we have come before you with a prudent, proportionate proposal.”

Pointing out it would only be available for seated ticket holders, he added that it would cut down on plastic waste.

The licensing board granted an occasional alcohol licence without allowing the introduction of the sale of cans.

Venues often prefer to serve alcohol in plastic glasses at gigs as there are dangers of canned drinks being thrown or metal from tins causing lacerations.