A CUSTOMER sparked a chemical alert when he dropped a vial of mercury at a top Glasgow restaurant.
A CUSTOMER sparked a chemical alert when he dropped a vial of mercury at a top Glasgow restaurant.
Fire crews and specialist officers were called to the award-winning Urban Grill in Shawlands after the substance was dropped in a busy bar area.
It happened at 4.30pm yesterday as the restaurant was preparing for a busy night.
Several customers in the bar were evacuated and others arriving for early evening bookings were turned away.
Fire crews and a contamination support unit were quickly on the scene, along with police, until the area was made safe.
The Urban Grill was closed for four hours - but bosses said it was business as usual today.
Owner Alan Tomkins said: "A customer informed staff he had dropped a vial containing mercury in the bar area.
"Our staff dealt with the incident very responsibly, and rather than just sweep it away they contacted the emergency services.
"The fire brigade evacuated the place while the mercury was cleared up and air tests were carried out, but everything seemed to be OK.
"I've no idea why the person was carrying mercury. I believe police are trying to trace him."
A fire brigade spokesman said: "A small amount of mercury was dropped in the bar and our technical support team helped clean it up."
Vials of mercury were once used in thermostats but its use is now restricted.
The Urban Grill, owned by Mr Tomkins and Gamba chef Derek Marshall, was recently voted the best new Scottish restaurant by Remy Martin and has been included in Harden's UK Restaurant Guide 2007.
