MOVES to replace Britain's beer glasses with plastic ones have met with a lukewarm response in Dorset.

Glasgow council, the UK's biggest licensing authority, is telling the brewing industry it has a "moral duty" to provide drinks in plastic containers.

More than 5,000 people a year in Britain are assaulted with broken bottles or glasses. Police across the country are said to be watching the Glasgow initiative with interest.

Michael Green, chairman of the licensed section of Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association, is not convinced.

He said: "Personally, after a life in the licensed trade, I wouldn't say that plastic glasses for beer would contribute to the flavour and the taste and even plastic glasses are breakable quite easily. The ragged edge of the plastic can be just as dangerous."

Supt Colin Searle, head of Dorset Police's partnership and diversity development team, said: "While the policy in Glasgow is one that Dorset Police will monitor and follow with interest, the force has no immediate plans to encourage any such measures in Bournemouth or any other part of the county as, on the whole, Dorset does not have a problem with drink-related violence involving glasses.

"Dorset Police would like to emphasise that Bournemouth is a safe place in which to socialise and consume alcohol sensibly and safely."

Cllr Anson Westbrook, chairman of Bournemouth council's licensing board, said: "The police and council are always looking at ways to help reduce incidents at venues across Bournemouth. At this time there are no restrictions in place, or in planning stages, at any public entertainment licence venues to stop serving drinks in glasses. How-ever, the policy in Glasgow is one that will be followed with great interest."