Fifteen pubs in Shoreditch have pledged to “go plastic” in their outdoor areas following a successful Christmas safety campaign run by Hackney Council’s licensing officers and Police working with bars, including Cargo in Riverside Road.

As part of the “Hackney Say Relax” initiative, pubs and clubs were invited to sign up to a “Plastic Pledge” expressing their commitment to switching from glass to plastic in outdoor areas. The move aims to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour where broken glass plays a part.

The campaign, which also highlights the green durability of plastic and its ability to survive a dishwasher for five times as long as glass, has attracted support from pub and club managers including The Electricity Showrooms, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen and Plastic People.

Cllr Alan Laing, Member of Cabinet for Neighbourhoods said: “Where Shoreditch pubs go, others follow. It’s good that some of the coolest clubs and bars have worked with us to help set the safety standard for the rest of London by turning to safer, greener plastic glasses in their outdoor areas. We believe that a dynamic partnership approach is the key to safer streets in Hackney.”

Any resident concerned about the management of a Hackney pub or licensed premises can contact the Council’s licensing service on 020 8356 4931 or email: licensing@hackney.gov.uk

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