Handling glassing incidents in your venue

Glassing incidents are constantly in the news, no matter where the incident takes place. As licensees know, the use of annealed glass vessels in risk periods is the subject of much discussion by the industry, regulators and the community.

Lately, OLGR has seen a dramatic shift by licensees who want to keep their patrons safe from glassing incidents.

A lot of venues are adopting the recommendations of OLGR liquor licence inspectors regarding limiting annealed glass on their premises.

For instance, some licensed venues are using PCV (polycarbonate) containers from 10.00pm in their sports bars, but continuing to use annealed glass in their restaurants.

Non-annealed glassware benefits

There are alternatives to annealed glass that can reduce the severity and risk of injury to patrons and venue staff. Non-annealed glassware products can reduce or eliminate compression fractures to stacks of collected glasses. Breakages in dishwashers and general accidents are also reduced. Venues have also recognised the benefit to OHS and public liability.

Keeping patrons safe

OLGR inspectors have met with many licensees to discuss specific risks at their venues and negotiate voluntary conditions. Many of the conditions imposed on venues are tailored because of glassing incidents.

NSW Police and OLGR continue to build significant awareness of how to keep patrons safe from potential glassing incidents through liquor accords and licensed venues.

Severe penalties

Glassing perpetrators can be charged with assault, malicious wounding, reckless wounding or reckless grievous bodily harm. The penalties are severe – for instance, up to 14 years’ gaol for reckless grievous bodily harm in company or up to seven years’ gaol for reckless wounding.

More information

What to do if a glassing occurs

If a glassing occurs you need to remember the area where it took place is considered a crime-scene. If police can’t gather evidence, the perpetrator may get off scott-free. Here are some pointers for licensees and staff on what to do when a violent incident happens.
1. Call (ambulance and police – 000)
2. Preserve the scene
3. Contact (Local Area Commander or delegate)
4. Comply with directions given

We have also developed a more extensive glassing checklist that you may want to hand out to staff:

What to do if a glassing occurs - 160 kb