POLICE are calling time on pubs in north Glasgow associated with drug dealing and drink-related crimes.

Venues that continue to sell alcohol to customers who are already drunk will also be targeted.

A two-week dedicated campaign is under way in the Maryhill, Kelvin and Canal areas.

Dedicated officers are carrying out visits to pubs and off licences to ensure they are complying with licensing regulations.

A number of arrests have already been made for pub violence.

Chief Inspector Graham McInarlin, Area Commander, said: "Licensed premises are a prominent feature in most communities and there are more than 80 in these areas.

"They allow people to come together to socialise, allow visitors to enjoy the hospitality of the areas and provide employment for local people.

"However, a minority of individuals who frequent these premises drink to excess, are involved in anti-social behaviour or violent crime and use these premises to sell or consume controlled drugs.

"Where offences are identified, they will be dealt with, ensuring the standard of premises in the area improves."

"The campaign aims to have local officers work fully with the licensed trade, ensuring the public are kept safe and, at the same time, are able to enjoy themselves while they are socialising."

Last June a pub in Summerston, The Scotch, was shut down after one officer said the bar's problem with drugs represented the biggest difficulty in its neighbourhood.

Licensing officers will also be offering training for staff at the Hub, Wyndford Road.

Sergeant Gordon Crossan, who is responsible for the day to day running of the initiative, said: "Where offences are identified they will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal and the licensing board for consideration".

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk