Glasgow venues launch QR code scheme to help support beggars

Venues in Glasgow have joined a new scheme allowing customers to donate to the city’s beggars through a QR code, rather than giving them spare change.

The 19 Best Bar None venues are displaying the QR codes which when scanned with a mobile phone allow people to donate to Street Change Glasgow (SCG).

Money given to the initiative, managed by Simon Community Scotland, will go towards helping beggars to improve their lives.

£12,500 has already been raised through cashless donation points since SCG’s launch in 2020, in partnership with Glasgow City Council and Glasgow’s Health & Social Care Partnership.

Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive at Simon Community Scotland, said: ‘We thank the venues participating in the Best Bar None scheme for partnering with us and displaying QR code posters, making it even easier for everyone to be part of making a difference.

‘Donating to Street Change Glasgow directly provides life’s necessities without delay for those in crisis, to help them be safe and feel valued and connect with support to move away from such a harmful and damaging existence. The cost of living crisis is driving more people to desperation and it is now more critical than ever that we reach and engage with everyone who finds themselves street begging, to simply meet their basic needs.’

Donations were previously made at cashless tap points at locations across the city including Glasgow Central Station, but the QR codes will replace this with an easier alternative.

The Best Bar None initiative was designed in 2005 to improve licensing standards, enhance public safety and raise standards within the night-time economy.

Members benefit from regular training opportunities on stewarding, crime scene preservation, drug awareness, responsible drinking, and recognising vulnerable people.

Oliver McLean, General Manager of Howlin Wolf in Bath Street explained why he was keen to display Street Change Glasgow QR codes in the venue.

He said: ‘When I heard about the alternative giving scheme it really resonated with me. I think it will help humanise people involved in begging for the general public. We’re keen to help raise awareness of it to help raise money for vulnerable people. We’ll be displaying QR codes in the lobby, in wall frames in the toilets and on the back of our menus so that people can donate.’

Photo by Giorgio Trovato