The polycarbonate pints were rolled out across the south of the county during the new year while a "traffic light" system to monitor pubs, which was first trialled in Northampton, has also been introduced.

Northamptonshire Police's licensing officer for Daventry and South Northants, Pc Tam Dunn, said about 10,000 glasses had been bought by the force, and more than half have already been handed out. He said the traffic light matrix system, which could see licences revoked if pubs languish in the red zone, has also proved popular.

He said: "Some of our licensees were sceptical of the matrix when it was first introduced, but we are pleased with the response we have had and believe those sceptics are changing their minds.

"As part of our continued work with licensees we have received a grant which has enabled us to buy 280 boxes of polycarbonate glasses which we have been distributing since the middle of December.

"So far we have distributed 169 boxes in the Daventry and South Northants area and are planning on giving them all away to our licensed premises.

"We are not expecting premises to use the polycarbonates all of the time, instead they are useful to use when licensees feel they are best suited, such as the weekends or bank holidays."

Chief Supt Paul Phillips, chair of the Daventry District and South Northamptonshire Safer Stronger Partnership, added: "I am pleased the partnership has been able to secure this money for the people of Daventry and South Northamptonshire.

"Polycarbonate glasses are a useful tool in helping make licensed premises even safer places to visit and I would urge any premises that don't already have some to contact Pc Dunn."