THE first licensing board in Scotland to impose a ban preventing the

drinking of bottled beers and cider ''from the neck'' in an effort to

reduce violence in bars and cut down litter on streets, has decided to

review its position.

Ettrick and Lauderdale District Licensing Board yesterday agreed to

relax the ban until October, following a meetingwith the licensed trade.

Borders licensees had pointed out the effects of the ban on profit

margins and the difficulties explaining the system to customers.

The ban was imposed two years ago and the board was advised that there

had been a drop in incidents on licensed premises and in the number of

bottles collected in the streets.

It will now monitor the position.