Licensed Trade

Unbreakable Glasses
for Licensed Bars

Licensed bars and clubs are under significant pressure from Local Licensing Authorities to replace glass with unbreakable materials like polycarbonate. Many resist this because they believe it is expensive and that customers don’t like ‘plastic glasses’. This article discusses some of the arguments for and against.

Customers Don’t
Want Plastic Glasses
For most people, the idea of a plastic glass is the flimsy disposable type frequently found at outdoor events. However, glasses made from polycarbonate could not be more different.

Polycarbonate is a rigid, heavy material that looks indistinguishable from glass. It feels substantial in the hand and keeps drinks colder for longer because of its superior insulating properties.

Customers readily accept these glasses because they match what most think of as ‘quality’ – that’s if they notice at all.

If you need convincing, why not ask for a sample. You can run it along side your existing glasses and hear the feedback for yourself.

Polycarbonate Is Expensive
Per unit, polycarbonate can cost a little more than glass. But consider this:

• Breakages are completely eliminated
• Bar staff can work faster and carry more glasses
• Less time is spent clearing up broken glass.

If you think about how much you spend on glassware each year, it is not difficult to see the connection between polycarbonate and reduced costs.

The legal and the health & safety risks associated with glass can be completely avoided with polycarbonate. And because it looks like glass, it will not affect how your establishment is perceived.

Polycarbonate & Your Licence
Licensing authorities working with the local police are encouraging licensees to move to unbreakable glassware. They are doing this by looking more favourably on bars that use polycarbonate glasses.

Polycarbonate & Trading Standards
Because polycarbonate is a rigid material, glasses made from it can be government stamped like ordinary glass.

Polycarbonate or Plastic
While polycarbonate is usually bought as a direct replacement for glass, plastic (polystyrene) is better suited to meeting the demand for extra glasses during busy times (football, barbeques etc.)

1. Use the Government Stamped menu at the top of the page to see what is available.
2. On the product pages, note the facility to view prices ex-VAT
3. Order online or call us for advice: 01753 664210.

With the commercial buyer in mind, volume discounts are already built in to our online pricing structure. However, if you do find a better price elsewhere, we would welcome the opportunity to provide an individual quotation.

Repeat buyers can become account customers on favourable terms, and with the possibility of additional discounts. Please call us if you would like to discuss this.