Bars have previously been reluctant to change glasses

There have been 26 incidents in the past five months of glasses being used as weapons, with some victims left with life-threatening injuries.

Sgt Richard Hurt, Blackpool's Nightsafe co-ordinator, says businesses should "put customer welfare before profit".

"Glass-related injuries ruin lives," Sgt Hurt added.

Previous attempts to introduce the plastic alternatives have met with resistance.

'Indestructible'

Some breweries said customers are not happy with the safer plastic glasses because it makes the alcohol taste different.

Sgt Hurt said: "This may have been the case in the past but this newer and stronger plastic keeps the taste as well as being almost totally indestructible.

"You can even run them over. Many injuries are caused by shattered glass and jagged edges, but these are a safer alternative.

"It is time breweries and leisure companies took social responsibility and put the welfare of their customers before profit."

Bars which have had incidents of glass-related injuries may have the use of plastic glasses made a condition of their licence.