Pubs and clubs that fail to stop fights in their premises could be forced to give up their glass- ware.

There have been 30 incidents in Oxfordshire in the past six months of glasses or bottles being used as weapons in pubs and clubs.

But under a plan to tackle violence, published by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, licensing authorities will be told to use powers to remove glasses and glass bottles from "high-risk" venues and replace them with a safer alternative, such as plastic.

A no-glass rule has been imposed on the Imperial nightclub, Hollybush Row, in Oxford, while about a dozen premises around the county have already gone glass-free voluntarily.

Three clubs in Witney, the Palace, Izi and Nortons, have switched to polycarbonates voluntarily.

Tony Cope, licensing officer for Thames Valley Police, said: "In the past few months there have been a few incidents where glasses and bottles were used as weapons.

"In certain nightclubs it is vitally important we do get polycarbonates.

"This is a good message to send out to those premises which do still use glassware. Even if we save one person from being scarred for life, it would be worthwhile."

Mr Cope added that venues could save money in the long run because plastic versions did not break as easily as glass.

The Home Office hopes licensed premises will bring in plastic voluntarily.

If not, police will be urged to press for a no-glass rule for the worst pubs and clubs.

Officers estimate alcohol plays a part in almost half of violent incidents.

Ezer Junior, co-manager of the Imperial nightclub, said he backed the move to polycarbonates.

He said: "I find it much safer - I completely agree with it."

Bridget Hartless, owner of Izi in Market Square, said 50 per cent of their drinks were now served in plastic, and the remaining glasses would be gradually replaced.

She added: "We have had good feedback from it. The main reason we are doing it is health and safety, and it is going to be a lot more environmentally friendly due to less wastage.

"The type we have got looks like glass - it is a very good copy."

But Max Tanner, assistant manager of The Hobgoblin in Cowley Road, Oxford, said: "We have got enough trouble getting enough people through the door with prices going through the roof and the smoking ban.

"If people are having to pay £4 for a pint in a plastic glass, no-one is going to come in a pub."