A NEWBURY pub has agreed to use plastic glasses following two glassing incidents this year.
The Snooty Fox in Bartholomew Street will now serve alcohol in polycarbonate glasses at peak times, such as Friday and Saturday night.
The pub was originally due to appeal last week against some conditions imposed on its licence following the incidents but an agreement has been reached, which includes the use of the polycarbonate glasses.
The venue is the only one in Newbury to have suffered two glassing incidents this year.
Inspector Pete Oliphant said: “Thames Valley Police has a policy of encouraging the use of polycarbonate glasses in town centre pubs and clubs where it is deemed appropriate.
“Newbury is a safe and pleasant town centre but we do want to keep it that way and do not want to allow complacency to creep in, so we have advised that certain venues adopt a policy of using polycarbonate glasses late at night and at weekends.
“The chances of being attacked by a glass or bottle are extremely small yet the consequences can be extremely serious.
“Newbury town centre has a history of partnership working between the agencies and the licensing trade and this work continues to ensure a safe and peaceful shopping and entertainment centre."
Brian Leahy, senior licensing officer at West Berkshire Council, said the British Beer and Pub Association was not opposed to using plastic where there is evidence to suggest it is needed but it was opposed to any blanket introduction of polycarbonates.
He added that the view was shared by the Government and highlighted in its revised Alcohol Strategy, which was published in June 2007.
“The Government will support local action to secure the replacement of glassware and bottles with safer alternatives in individual high risk premises," he said. "This is exactly what the Licensing Authority has done in relation to The Snooty Fox and we fully support our police partners in this matter."
The announcement came as Sreenath Reddy, consultant and clinical director at Reading's Royal Berkshire Hospital said he thinks a glass made out of polycarbonate, a very tough plastic, would cause less damage to the skin, if it were ever used as a weapon.
He added that 23 people had been treated for glassing-related injuries at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the last 9 months.