Enter can ban: Council knocks back Metallica gig beer plan

Sun, June 14, 2026 at 10:16 AM UTC

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Metallica will play Hampden Park on 25 June

A proposal to serve cans of beer at an upcoming Metallica concert in Glasgow has been turned down after police warned of safety concerns.

The trial was proposed for the heavy metal heavyweights' gig at Hampden Park on 25 June as a way of reducing queues at the bar.

But Police Scotland told City of Glasgow Council's licensing board their chief constable had concerns over public safety as the cans could be used as "projectiles."

Venues usually prefer to serve alcohol in plastic glasses at gigs as there are dangers of canned drinks being thrown or metal from the tins causing lacerations.

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Lawyer Stephen McGowan, representing food management company Sodexo Limited, said the move to serve open cans of drink would be trialled as a pilot at the stadium.

The company argued serving the cans would save staff time as they would not be pouring out drinks into cups.

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McGowan said the sale of cans would be restricted to a seated area and four bars.

He said: "Serving an open can is quicker. Queues will be quicker, which will get people into their seats settled so they can enjoy the concert."

He added that Sodexo were happy to abide by police recommendations, which included no 500ml cans and that the sale of tins and alcohol should stop if there are any problems.

"I understand well this is Glasgow. This is not Edinburgh. That is why we have come before you with a prudent, proportionate proposal," he said.

Pointing out it would only be available for seated ticket holders, he added that it would cut down on plastic waste.

The licensing board granted an occasional alcohol licence but without allowing the introduction of the sale of cans.

Story by Local Democracy Reporter Sarah Hilley.

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