Fresh polycarbonate push by police

A Pubwatch chairman claims a move by police to force pubs to go glass free at "necessary" times has left his members feeling "threatened".

Peter Sadler, chairman of Newbury Pubwatch, has hit out at the proposal after a letter was sent to all pubs in West Berkshire by Thames Valley Police.

Pubs which have had only one "incident" are being asked to vary their premises licence to say they will only use polycarbonate containers on Friday and Saturday nights.

Licensees have been made to sign a document saying whether they will support the 'Alcohol Action Group Polycarbonate Campaign' or not.

And pubs where glassing "incidents" have occurred could face a licence review.

The police point to five glassing incidents in the town in the last year and 12 in total in West Berkshire.

But Sadler feels the move is an overreaction. "We all know there's a risk, but it's how you deal with it," he said. "Why should the law abiding majority have to suffer the consequences for a small minority. Newbury is a good town. Our customers expect to drink out of a glass when they are paying premium prices for their drinks."

He added that many of the group's 30 members felt "threatened" by the letter.

However a spokeswoman for Thames Valley police said no final decision had been made on polycarbonates and it was still "exploring ways of continuing to keep the town as a safe place to enjoy a night out."

Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, advised licensees to "resist any attempts to impose a blanket ban on glass". He added that pubs should only switch to polycarbonates if they do their own risk assessment and feel it is appropriate.