Glassing !

Not so long ago a pub fight that resulted in someone having a broken glass or bottle rammed into their face brought headlines in the next day's paper. Not any more ! Last weekend there were eleven such incidents in a single night.

We have become a more violent society. The old Aussie custom of settling an argument by way of a fist fight has given way to knives and any form of lethal weapon that comes to hand.

There are now laws that ban people carrying knives and it seems that new laws will be required to remove the humble drinking glass from the club and pub scene.

Unfortunately the alternatives to glass result in a lowering of one of life's pleasures. It is possible to serve beer in a cup or a plastic container, but the ability of glass to keep a beer cool - and it's appearance with rising bubbles and a nice head can not be compared.

Hopefully the politicians will not over react and ban glass entirely in all venues. Anti social activity seems concentrated on night spots that open for extended hours and " glassings " as this form of attack is titled - rarely occur until very late.

If there is to be a law change it will hopefully have a cut off time. Glass may need to be replaced by plastic from the old closing time of ten PM - but most people would prefer their beer in a glass during normal " civilized " drinking hours.

There is also the chance that the club and pub industry may see this as an opportunity to improve their bottom line. Some may be enthusiastic about replacing glasses entirely in favour of throw away plastic cups. Not only would this reduce the cost of normal glass attrition, but it would remove washing costs - and probably result in a price increase - in the name of safety.

It is the usual problem. The majority suffer for the actions of the few who refuse to conform to accepted social standards !