A BID to tighten up Poole's policy on the use of plastic drinking vessels in bars and clubs has been defeated.

The motion proposed by Liberal Democrats called for the Borough of Poole to adopt a robust policy on polycarbonate and to make representations to MPs and the relevant minister in bid to reduce glassing incidents.

However, Cllr Lindsay Wilson, who proposed the motion, had called for a blanket ban on glass in pubs and clubs, and was shocked by the environment overview group's reaction.

"If we have got something safe, why not use it?" she said. "It's being taken to the next review of licensing policy and that's not until 2010."

She said: "It was done for the reason that somebody had this longer than average pint glass pushed into their face, with an inch of stem left.

"Poole council's view is that it's a small figure and it's not a problem, when it's a life-changing disfigurement."

PC Dave England of Poole Safe licensing said there had been three incidents in the past year, the town centre's three late-night clubs voluntarily use plastic at peak hours as do two pubs following incidents.

He said Poole was totally different from Bournemouth, where the Daily Echo joined the police to launch the Call Time on Glass campaign after a number of horrific incidents.

Cllr Don Collier, portfolio holder for environment, proposed the motion be referred to the next review of licensing policy, held every three years or sooner if necessary, and this was approved.

"While I have great sympathy and understanding and support for the Echo campaign, we have to abide by the law," said Cllr Collier. "We are unable to make a blanket ban on something in this way."

He said what the Lib Dems were proposing was less than the council did already and they were calling on MPs to help deal with a "dreadful" problem in Poole, when there wasn't one.

If the two towns were 100 per cent polycarbonate and nowhere else except problem premises were, what impression did that give of Bournemouth and Poole, he asked.

He said the borough was proud of its four licensing awards. "We have a better drinking culture than most tourist towns. I really, really want to keep it that way."