REGULARS at Glasgow’s State Bar joined staff at a tribute night held for a “popular” publican who died after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Jars for Jason was held in honour of bar manager Jason Lyons, “to celebrate everything he stood for and to raise some cash for charity,” organisers said.

A spokesman for the pub in Holland Street said: “His death has been a shock to his family, friends and the communities of people who drank in The State Bar.”

Tributes to the 40-year-old were paid after his death on June 11.

One friend said: “As with the best of landlords, Jason knew all of his regulars. The State Bar was first awarded ‘Pub of the Year’ by West of Scotland CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) in 2012.

“Jason realised that he could do even more for his customers. Our group have identified ales on our travels around the UK beer festivals and beyond. Jason hassled his suppliers to ensure they were provided, Jason too unearthing some great ales.

“His determination to order the very best brought more ‘Pub of the Year’ awards in 2014 and 2015.”

Chairman of the Glasgow and West of Scotland CAMRA branch, Howard Young, said: “Jason was a funny, generous, brilliant, decent, lovely man who loved his beer…because of him The State went from a very good pub to an absolutely brilliant one.”

Regular Craig McVittie said: “We are absolutely devastated. To lose such a fantastic guy at such a young age is just awful.”

Paul Langley, of client Oakham Ales, added: “Jason was such a great guy and it’s such a sad loss to the whole of the community.”