Bars urged to opt for plastic glasses

Michael Shepherd – partner of the late Emma O'Kane. Gaynor Emerson (Community Safety Officer for Heywood), Daisy Edwards (GMP Licensing Officer), Heywood Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Clarke and Jonathan Carter from The Old Fashioned pub (formerly the Queen Anne Hotel).

Bars in Heywood are being asked to consider serving drinks in plastic glasses.

Sample glasses will be distributed to all premises which are part of the town’s Pubwatch scheme so they can try them out.

The appeal is part of a campaign fronted by Michael Shepherd, whose partner Emma O’Kane died after a glass bottle was thrown into the Queen Anne Hotel in Heywood on Boxing Day 2008.

A shard of glass caused a fatal injury to her neck.

Daisy Edwards, licensing officer for Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division, said: “We’re continually working to make Heywood town centre a safer place for people to enjoy a night out, and encouraging licensees to consider serving drinks in plastic glasses is a vital part of that.

“We have had other incidents in the past where glasses have been used as weapons, and this can result in horrific consequences.”

Michael Shepherd, partner of the late Emma O’Kane, added: “The aim of this campaign is to try and prevent another family going through the same pain and suffering as my family and I have been put through for the past two years.

“Even if only one venue adopts plastic glasses, this campaign will have been worthwhile.”

For more information about the appeal, go to www.glasstears.co.uk