A petition with 1,000 names calling for an end to vicious glass and bottle attacks in Chelmsford's pubs and clubs is to be considered by councillors.

The Ban the Bottle petition, launched by Krysia Dodson, a youth worker with Essex County Council, asks for licensed premises in the town to use plastic or shatterproof glasses.

Petitioners also want bottled drinks poured into such glasses before being taken away from the bar.

Chelmsford Council officers have been investigating issues raised in the petition and councillors will discuss a report on Wednesday when it is likely they will agree to refer the matter to the licensing sub-comittee for further consideration.

The report says: "Glasses can be used as offensive weapons and may result in injury from accidents. Or injuries can occur incidentally in acts of general physical violence.

"Bottles also break into shards and can be used as weapons with the same problems."

There are currently no laws in Chelmsford to regulate what drinks are served in.

Some nightclubs already use the toughened glasses, but all still sell bottles - which some customers regard as trendy and less likely to be spiked with drugs.

Peter Marks, from Northern Leisure which runs Club Zeus, said: "We use shatterproof glasses. It is an extra cost but it is a burden we are prepared to have.

"As for a bottle ban, it's almost taking it too far. If the council were of a mind that all the premises in the town had to have a bottle ban we would of course comply."

Paul Croft, chairman of Chelmsford Licensed Victuallers Association said: "I could turn round and say it is not a problem but there could be nothing worse than being a glass victim.

"It's a very strong issue and everyone is looking at their own business. I think eventually we'll see strengthened glasses in all premises."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.