Authorities accused of overstepping the mark over polycarbonates

Local authorities and police are being accused of overstepping the mark in their promotion of polycarbonate glasses.

The Publican has seen secret documentation revealing that licensing officers and police forces are requesting samples and price lists of products from BB Plastics (BBP) - the main supplier of polycarbonate glasswear - to present at meetings with licensees and local Pubwatches.

The fear is that licensees will be coerced into using polycarbonates and may even face conditions on their licences if they refuse to use them - even though they are acting responsibly.

There is already concern about the push by police and licensing authorities to enforce blanket bans across the country.

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association, said: "We don't believe it's for the police or local authorities to push any company's products. It's not what we would expect from the police or authorities, which should be impartial.

"If you use plastic you are downgrading the offer and experience. Customers will reject that."

Danny Scott, licensee of Rick's Bar in Greenwich, South London, is worried licensees may feel forced into buying polycarbonates to maintain a good relationship with local licensing officers. He said: "Why are local authorities and police getting involved? If there is a problem in a venue you can understand it but it should not be a blanket glass ban, that's ludicrous. I think this is going to creep in by the back door."

Michaela Johnson, sales manager for BBP, confirmed it was sending out samples to local police forces and local authorities at their request.

But she added: "Police and local authorities are pushing the idea of polycarbonates. How they are promoting it is nothing to do with BBP."

A spokeswoman for LACORS, the local authority co-ordinating body, said: "LACORS is aware that the police and industry are in discussions about a mutually acceptable way forward on the introduction of non-glass drinking vessels, specifically in relation to premises where there is a history of glass-related violent crime."

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) refused to comment on the conduct of individual police forces.

In a statement Adrian Studd, from the ACPO working group on licensing and chief inspector at the Metropolitan Police Clubs and Vice Unit, said: "ACPO supports the introduction of polycarbonate glasses into premises with a history of violence or with a young, 'high energy' clientele who could be most at risk in venues serving drinks in glass containers."