Police push plastics

Police are taking the initiative in the push for polycarbonates ­ with one force spending £20,000 on plastic glasses to give to pubs and clubs.

Lancashire Police, along with the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and the local Best Bar None scheme, has paid for the plastic glasses, which are being distributed to venues where ³glass injuries are most common".

The polycarbonates are being trialled in six bars and clubs, with plans to roll out the initiative to other late-night venues.

"The polycarbonate glasses have been a great success so far, with positive feedback from all venues trialling the product," said Sergeant Richard Hurt, who is co-ordinating the scheme.

"Many customers were taken by sur-prise when they were informed they were drinking from a plastic glass."

Between June and December last year there were 335 incidents "which included" glass in Lancashire and 93 crimes where someone suffered injuries as a result of glass attacks.

Sgt Hurt added: "These glasses are meant for venues with late licences where some revellers drink to excess."

Meanwhile, polycarbonates are being trialled in 'high-volume vertical drinking' venues in Humberside.

PC Gary Parker, licensing officer for Hull Police, said: "There needs to be a balance. Not every premises initially will need plastic.

"We take the view it is better for people to volunteer."

However, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is wary of police trying to coerce pubs into using polycarbonates.

Martin Rawlings, the BBPA's director of pub and leisure, said: "Everything should be looked at on its own merits.

"We have just been through a risk assessment process and that was called the Licensing Act.

"Nothing has changed ­ things have got better if anything. So what are they doing here?"