Fresh Order On Alcohol Glass Ban

An leading researcher has called for alcohol to be served in plastic glasses and bottles in a bid to reduce the severity of injury in violent attacks.

Dr Alasdair Forsyth, from the Glasgow Centre for the Study of Violence, told a conference he wants retailers to consider moving to plastic, alongside bars and clubs, to eliminate the use of glass as a weapon.

Estimates suggest that £100m a year is spent, by the NHS, the police and courts, on glass-related violence.

Crime surveys suggest the number of violent attacks involving glass may run into six figures per year.

Preparing to address the World Safety Conference in London, Dr Forsyth, he commented: "The one category of drink still commonly sold or served in glass vessels is alcohol, paradoxically the only beverage type associated with an increased risk of accidents and serious violence.

"It is much easier to eliminate glass used as a weapon than knives."

His research showed younger people didn't mind using plastic bottles - but that the over-40s were resistant. He said: "They claim it keeps the drink cooler, which is absolute nonsense. It's just a matter of making plastic containers socially acceptable."

A fellow expert said targeting city centres and late-night clubs and pubs, about eliminating glass, should be the priority.

(BMcN/GK)