BBPA set to oppose proposed glass ban

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is fighting back against growing support among MPs for a glass ban

at venues that open after 11pm.

In recent months, scores of MPs have signed two Early Day Motions (EDMs) that call for a ban on glass containers after 11pm on safety grounds.

In response, the BBPA has written to every MP who signed the EDMs outlining why a blanket glass ban would be a "disproportionate" response.

The BBPA letter, which will also be sent to police and local authorities that back a blanket glass ban, explains that the Licensing Act allows local authorities to ban glass at venues that have had a problem with glassing attacks.

The letter says 98% of pubs serve alcohol after 11pm at least once a week under the new licensing regime, and also criticises the fact that the EDMs make no distinction between pubs, bars and clubs.

It states: "The proposal defined in the EDM would therefore affect virtually every one of the 58,000 pubs in the UK. We believe such a move, which would force the blanket introduction of plastic glassware across the national pub estate, would be disproportionate."

The letter stresses the "significantly greater burdens on the environment" of using plastic instead of glass, which can be reused and recycled.

It also says: "The pleasures of a night out in Britain would be significantly degraded if we all had to drink from plastic receptacles." As well as the impact on the trade, a glass ban "would also have a significant impact on the image of the UK amongst tourists and visitors".

Currently, 49 MPs have signed the EDM from Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan, and 39 have signed the similar EDM from Milton Keynes MP Mark Lancaster.