UK pubs could get plastic pints

Pubs could soon be serving pints in plastic-lined glasses following a Government scheme to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries across the UK.

According to figures from the Home Office, almost 87,000 glass attack injuries occur in England and Wales every year. Design Bridge, the company tasked with creating a new, safer type of pint glass, believes that its new prototypes could provide an excellent solution.

The first design, called Glass Plus, has a coating of plastic inside the glass that prevents it from shattering when smashed. The second design, unveiled as Twin Wall, sees two thin-walled glasses placed inside each other and resin-bound together to prevent shattering too.

David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council, the Government organisation which has helped to launch the new designs, commented:

"The British love their pints of beer. We wouldn't want to take someone's enjoyment and pleasure away. This is not a silver bullet. It is one idea that can make a significant difference. We hope to save lives and reduce suffering."

Last year, pubs reacted angrily to news that the traditional pint glass could eventually be replaced by a plastic model, stating that it could result in more punters staying at home.

The latest designs have been criticised for looking thicker than normal pint glasses, but the designers have said that more work is underway.