Pub group to 'bust' plastic glass myths
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) plans to draw up a comprehensive information pack to explode the "myths and misinformation" surrounding the use of plastic glasses in pubs.
The BBPA says it is concerned that licensees and pub operators receive correct and balanced information on the whole polycarbonate issue.
The move follows attempts by an increasing number of police forces to persuade and cajole town and city pubs to switch to plastic containers.
So much misinformation is circulating about the whole plastic issue that we feel it's time to clear the air and explode some mythsBBPA director Dr Martin Rawlings
Trade leaders fear there could be a hidden agenda to convert whole circuit-drinking zones to polycarbonate glasses, using threats of licensing reviews for pubs where any glassing
incidents occur.
The BBPA action follows a meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), which is driving the plastic glasses debate.
BBPA director Dr Martin Rawlings said: "We are trying to work with Acpo towards a sensible approach to the whole issue of polycarbonate glasses.
"But so much misinformation is circulating about the whole plastic issue that we feel it's time to clear the air and explode some myths."
Key nightclub-sector players were also meeting senior police officers this week to discuss the issue. The meeting was due to be attended by pub operator JD Wetherspoon, one of the trade's most vociferous opponents of
plastic glasses.
Bar Entertainment & Dance Association executive director Paul Smith said that while some of its members already used plastic voluntarily in their premises, the association was firmly opposed to an enforced blanket policy.
"When you have 2,000 people in one venue, it's understandable that some operators might favour the use of plastic - but it has to be a voluntary decision," he said.
"We will oppose, tooth and nail, the blanket use of plastic, but we want a constructive dialogue with the police."
To sign the MA's petition against the blanket imposition of plastic click http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/plasticglass. Please add your name if you haven't already done so.
