Concerns have been raised by the pub industry after the Design Council appointed a design team to develop a 'safer' pint glass in a bid to tackle the problem of glasses being used in violent assaults.

Design Bridge has been tasked with drawing up proposals for safer drinking vessels that will appeal to both consumers and publicans as part of efforts to reduce the amount of injuries caused by glassware, which is said to cost the NHS an estimated £100m a year. However, a spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said that the use of plastic should only be considered on a case-by-case basis rather than "a blanket approach that would add to costs", as well as impacting the consumer's drinking experience.

A spokesperson for the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) added: "Alternative materials are a viable option in exceptional circumstances to uphold one or more of the licensing objectives where glass has proved to be a particular issue." Design Bridge is expected to unveil a range of prototypes for safer pint glasses in December with a view to being adopted by pubs and clubs.