The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) has won its battle to overturn the judicial decision to ban the use of glass in Glasgow’s pubs and clubs.

The Glasgow Licensing Board retracted its ruling on a blanket ban by January 2007 owing to opposition from publicans and licensees under the representation of the SBPA.

Councillors have now agreed to enforce the use of plastic or toughened glass in premises with a history of glassing incidents, which comprise only 5 per cent of all pubs and nightclubs in the city.

Patrick Browne, SBPA chief executive, said: "The decision to amend the glass ban policy appears to be a positive move. However, we will continue in our legal action against the board until the full impact of the policy changes has been assessed."

The Licensing Board had previously decided to introduce a blanket ban owing to the high incidence of glassing incidents in Glasgow compared with other UK cities.

However, although Browne had “accepted that the board was acting in good faith to address the issue of glassing incidents in the city", he "believed that the board was acting outside the powers given under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976".

The SBPA argued that the use of plastic bottles or toughened glass should be determined on a premises by premises basis according to existing problems, as "such a move would be costly for the industry as well as damaging to Scotland’s environment and Glasgow’s hospitality image.” Details: www.scottishpubs.co.uk

Photograph: SBPA chief executive Patrick Browne