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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received in favour of increasing the use of plastic bottles in bars and clubs from (a) the police, (b) environmental agencies and (c) other interested parties; and if he will make a statement; [108059] (2) what recent discussions he has held with representatives of (a) the British Beer and Pub Association and (b) other organisations to promote the use of plastic bottles; and if he will make a statement; [108058] (3) what discussions (a) he has had and (b) his officials have had with other Departments on promoting the use of plastic bottles in bars and clubs; and if he will make a statement. [108060] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: I have not held any recent discussions with representatives of the British Beer and Pub Association or other organisations on what can be done to promote the use of plastic bottles. Nor have I received any representations in favour of increasing the use of plastic bottles in bars and clubs from the police, environmental agencies or other interested parties. But representations have been received from one individual, advocating a switch from glass to plastic bottles in the United Kingdom licensed trade to minimise the risk of glass-related injuries taking place. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend for Harrow West, (Mr. Thomas) on 28 March 2003, Official Report, column 451W. We remain concerned about the high level of injuries that occur when glasses and bottles are used as weapons in drink- related situations in and outside licensed premises and other drinking establishments, and we intend to see that this problem is effectively tackled. The Licensing Bill Guidance that has been published in draft by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will include a range of conditions that a licensing authority could impose on a premises to address violence of this form. My officials are working closely with the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit on their study to produce a national strategy for reducing the harm associated with alcohol misuse. The study, which was announced on 19 July 2002, is paying particular attention to the issue of alcohol-related violence, and views have been sought and obtained from a wide variety of organisations and individuals.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

404 c759-60W;404 c755-6W; 108059;108058;108060

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Clubs Bottles Injuries Licensed premises Pollution Nuisance Public houses Plastics Nightclubs

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk