SERVICE OF DRINKS IN PLASTIC GLASSES IN THE LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR

That this House supports the replacement of glass with polycarbonate (plastic) vessels in specific licensed premises in order to combat crime and disorder; accepts that on occasions licensing committees will have to order such premises with a poor record to make such a switch, but believes that blanket, indiscriminate and widespread bans on ordinary glasses across whole areas would be a disproportionate response which would diminish the pubgoing experience and undermine the proper enjoyment of hospitality for citizens and tourists alike; notes the unacceptable environmental impact of a widespread switch to plastic, which cannot be recycled as easily as glass; and in line with the campaigns being led by the Morning Advertiser and the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association calls on licensing authorities and the police to seek to impose such conditions only where absolutely necessary as prescribed by the Licensing Act 2003.