SCOTLAND’S smoking ban has fuelled a rise in sectarian and football-related violence because of the large numbers of young men gathered outside bars, publicans have claimed.

Licensees in Glasgow say the ban, introduced last month, has encouraged confrontations between rival fans who have congregated outside to smoke.

Rangers and Celtic fans clashed during and after last Sunday’s Old Firm encounter at Parkhead, forcing at least one pub to close its doors. Landlords fear more serious violence could follow unless action is taken to keep the rival supporters apart.

Much of last weekend’s violence centred around pubs in Glasgow’s east end, close to Celtic Park. Maureen Hemphill, who runs the Crimson Star on London Road, a pub frequented by Rangers supporters, herded patrons indoors after they were attacked by rival fans.

“Our customers were outside having a smoke when Celtic fans came up hurling abuse at them just because we are seen as a Rangers bar,” she said. “We had people sticking up their fingers at our staff and customers and spitting in their direction.

“In the past our customers would have been safely indoors, but because of the smoking ban they had no alternative but to stand outside. It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.”

Jim McAlone, of the Calton Bar, also in London Road, said regulars were targeted by Rangers supporters. “Rangers fans assumed my customers were Celtic supporters and had a real go at them when they were standing outside smoking,” he said. “There was some really nasty stuff going on out there.”

Jackie Smith, of the nearby Whitelaws Bar, which is frequented by Rangers fans, added: “Our job is hard enough without having to worry about trouble outside.”

Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said pubs across the country were struggling to deal with outbreaks of violence involving smokers outside their premises.

Waterson, who represents 1,800 licensees, said the problem was not confined to pubs affiliated with one or other of the Old Firm sides.

“In mixed bars the discipline inside the pub often ensures both sets of fans behave responsibly, but when they go out for a cigarette, that can be lost and they can get involved in disputes,” he said.

However, Chief Superintendent Tom Buchan of Strathclyde police insisted the force had the situation under control. “There are areas in Glasgow where Rangers fans will often pass pubs where Celtic fans gather, and vice versa, and we are well aware where they are,” he said.

Drinks threat

OUTDOOR drinking looks set to be banned in parks and other open air venues across Scotland, in response to council fears that the smoking ban could escalate violence outside bars.

Six local authorities — including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth and Stirling — have applied to the Scottish Executive for permission to ban drinkers from taking their pints outside when they go for a cigarette.

A change of regulations would, however, also outlaw glasses of wine drunk with a picnic, or at open air events.

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