A Preston pub wanting to change a rule about the type of glass it uses faces objections from the police.

Marston’s have applied to Preston City Council to remove a restriction which says it must have toughened glassware at the Hesketh Arms.

The New Hall Lane pub has the condition on its licence, but the pub operator, via its solicitors John Gaunt and Partners says it wants this removed.

The police say toughened glass is a ‘common condition for premises that are strongly involved in the football economy’.

A thicker pint glass is harder to shatter if attempted to be used in a ‘glassing’ incident than a traditional pint glass.

Police Sergeant Richard Horton has written to the licensing sub-committee of the city council.

Read more: Preston Beer Festival is coming to the Guild Hall

He says: “We do object to the proposed variation to remove the requirement for toughened glassware at the Hesketh Arms so as to allow Marston branded plaint glassware.

“We object because The Hesketh Arms is a gathering place for Preston North Fans both for home and away matches.

“Balancing the advertising-branding value, lower cost of standard glasses against the contribution to the licensing objectives of public safety and preventing crime and disorder made by toughened glass, we cannot support a return to plain glassware in this premises.”

Sergeant Horton goes on to say in the last 12 months there have been 19 incidents at the Hesketh Arms, including three assaults and nine public order offences including a threat to kill and criminal damage.

He also said the area around the Hesketh Arms has high levels of calls for police in terms of violent and public order offences.

Blog Preston contacted Marston’s for comment but received no response.

Read more: Newly refitted Preston pub has windows smashed

Councillors are due to meet on Monday 21 January at the Town Hall to discuss the application by the Hesketh Arms.

Do you drink in the Hesketh Arms? What do you think of the licensing application? Let us know in the comments below