Pub bid to scrap plastic cups and use glasses

The pub has served drinks in plastic cups since September 2024

Police have opposed a pub's plea to reintroduce glasses amid concerns over violent attacks.

The Sportsmann Inn, in Bishop Auckland, has applied to remove the requirement from its licence to serve drinks in plastic cups which was enforced in 2024 after two attacks during which glasses were allegedly used as weapons.

Durham Police has opposed the move and said polycarbonate glasses "safeguarded" customers.

The application will be considered by Durham County Council on 13 November.

Sgt Caroline Dickerson, of the Durham force, said plastic glasses helped safeguard staff and door supervisors, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"There is no evidence available to us of how the business will be operated, especially when the business is trading on a weekend," she said.

Police said no violent incidents had been reported at the pub since glasses were removed.

The force is also opposing the pub's application to reduce door staff requirements.

It is currently required to provide up to four door supervisors on Fridays and Saturdays from 21:00 until 03:00.

The owners want to alter the licence and only employ that number at busy times.