Glasgow football bar condemned for sectarianism

A (Glasgow) South Side bar condemned for sectarianism faces closure.

The Glaswegian Bar, in Bridge Street, lost its licence after allegations of sectarian behaviour, intimidation of licensing standards officers and local residents, and ineffectual management.

The court heard that on one occasion the arrival of the licensing officers was announced by the DJ over the speaker system as The Noise Police'.

This was followed by customers shouting obscenities about the Pope to the tune of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline while the officers waited to speak to management.

It was claimed that "officers reported the atmosphere to be openly hostile towards them and noted that the management provided little or no assistance, causing officers to report the noise and leave".

Nearby residents complained about the singing of sectarian songs.

The court heard residents had also "been subjected to intimidating and aggressive behaviour from patrons".

One Glasgow councillor who objected to The Glaswegian getting a new licence said he could not speak publicly against the bar through fear of reprisal.

According to the licensing officers, the intimidation meant that no resident would come forward as a witness.

Sources say that licensing officers would only attend the venue - the subject of 40-plus complaints - with police protection and that it is a well-known rendezvous point for Rangers casuals.

Craig Bruce, of Rosemount Taverns, owners of The Glaswegian, said the company was "very disappointed with the outcome" and was considering its position.

It is likely the bar will appeal, leaving it free to operate in the interim.

The Evening Times, 3rd June