In the NEWS 1979.
Sophisticated, That's the drinking man in Glasgow...
Civilised, sociable, and sophisticated, that's the new image of the Glasgow drinker. And it's all due to all-day opening, according to Councillor Phil O'Rourke, chairman of Glasgow Licensing Board.
Councillor O'Rourke's view that drinking habits have changed radically in the past two years comes as he prepares for a mammoth sitting of the board which starts on Friday and will continue well into next week.
More than 1000 city pubs and clubs will be considered for licence renewals transfers, and extensions. And the number of bars applying for all-day opening has increased by 30 per cent.
If the board grants all the licences, and in view of the chairman's feelings on extended hours it seems likely that most will be passed, then Glasgow will have about 400 licensed premises opening for most of the day.
Councillor O'Rourke. 1979.
SUCCESS
Councillor O'Rourke said, "We are going to have a busy week, but it will be worth while because Glasgow's drinking habits have changed for the better.
"I think the all-day opening has meant that people are much more civilised about drink. The experiment, to discover whether drinking behaviour would improve if people were allowed more time, has proved an enormous success in my view.
Councillor O'Rourke's view was echoed today by John Waterson, senior vice-president of the Strathclyde Licensed Trade Association. Mr Waterson, who runs the Burns Howff and the Jean Armour in Glasgow said that financially publicans are no better off with the introduction of all-day drinking.
"But the customers are getting a much better deal, and they are showing their appreciation," he said.
End.
