Drinkers to desert plastic glass pubs

A study has found 73% of drinkers will visit less or completely stop visiting pubs which serve drinks in plastic glasses.

The study, by customer service evaluation firm Retail Eyes, found 85% of pub goers believe a drink served in a plastic vessel is worth less than one served in a glass.

While there is clearly a safety issue at stake, the current perception of a change to plastic cups is likely to have a negative effect on trade ​ Tim Ogle, marketing director of Retail Eyes.

A Retail eyes spokesman said: "As a patron's frequency of visits increases, the likelihood that they would not visit a pub that switched to plastic increases as well, with a third of daily drinkers saying they would definitely not visit a pub that used plastic."​

The survey even found that 62% of drinkers questioned new what type of glass to expect depending on what drink they ordered and could recognises drinks brands from their corresponding glasses.

The survey of 4,406 UK consumers also asked how patrons would react if their local decided to switch from glass to plastic.

More than 56% would be 'disappointed' at the decision, 32% of respondents stated their reaction would be 'negative', and only 15% said it would be 'positive'.

Nearly 17% would be 'unbothered', and 16% said the decision would make them feel more secure, while 22% said the decision would make them feel 'patronised'.

Tim Ogle, marketing director of Retail Eyes said: "This research demonstrates that the debate of plastic versus glass is actually a very passionate issue for the vast majority of pub goers.​

"While there is clearly a safety issue at stake, the current perception of a change to plastic cups is likely to have a negative effect on trade"

The results are based on a survey of UK consumers conducted by Retail Eyes from 23-26 March 2007.