diff --git a/start_glue.py b/start_glue.py
index fd92e61..dac39c8 100644
--- a/start_glue.py
+++ b/start_glue.py
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
 
+    if os.path.exists('/tmp/gluelock'):
+        raise Exception("glue lock already exists")
+
+    with open('/tmp/gluelock', 'w') as f:
+        f.write('Denied!')
+
     if '--debug' in sys.argv or '--test' in sys.argv:
         logger.setLevel("INFO")