Easter Rising warning
Bars told to adhere to sectarianism policies on rebellion’s anniversary
BARS and social clubs in Glasgow have been told by police to make sure they abide by sectarianism policies if they are commemorating the centenary of Ireland’s Easter Rising.
Several owners and managers of premises said they have been visited by force licensing officers and told to ensure any events mark- ing the 1916 rebellion should not breach the city licensing board’s code of conduct on religious bigotry.
The venues include the Celtic Supporters’ Association, close to the club’s stadium on London Road. Two other venues, which have asked not to be named, were also given copies of the policy, with the licensees claiming specific reference was made to the Easter Rising commemorations.
The document has been circulated more widely in light of the forthcoming Scottish Cup semifinal between Celtic and Rangers.
Police Scotland said it has inquired about Easter events to ensure any potential protests arising from them could be “policed appropriately”.
It was revealed last month how one event, a film screening in Lanarkshire, was axed following the force’s intervention.
Local licensing officers had told a pub and church hall neither had been given consent to show the documentary Mise Eire, leading to the abandonment of the screening.
It also emerged the specialist police football unit set up after the Old Firm “shame game” of 2011 has been gathering and assessing intelligence to identify any issues that could emerge around Ireland’s “Decade of Centenaries”, which includes the Rising, Somme and creation of the Irish Free State.
But concerns have been raised by Scotland’s leading ethnic minorities group that bracketing 1916 centenary events, including the Somme, as sectarian or offensive could potentially leave those taking part open to criminal proceedings.
The board’s policy makes references to “conduct associated with the religious and political divide in Northern Ireland” and warns against “decorating or displaying material at the premises with colours, images, designs, insignia or words associated with, or which can reasonably be construed as being associated with, either the Catholic or Protestant side of the religious divide”.
Joe O’Rourke, general secretary of the Celtic Supporters’ Association, which owns the London Road venue, said: “An officer visited the club and issued advice regarding any upcoming Easter Rising commemorations.
“He advised against having any flags ‘which might offend someone’ either inside or outside the premises and handed a member of staff a document which referred to ‘Protestants and Catholics’.”
Superintendent Stewart Carle, head of partnerships for Greater Glasgow Division, said: “Officers have visited a number of licensed premises across the city to provide advice and support ahead of a number of high-profile football matches which will attract visitors from across Scotland to the city.”
A licensing board spokesman said: “The board’s policy statement provides guidelines and standards for all licensed premises.”