The government has unveiled a new shatterproof pint glass which it hopes will help to save billions of pounds in healthcare costs says the Huffington Post.

The glasses are designed to prevent them being used as weapons when smashed and the government has developed two prototypes of the new barware. The government plans to introduce the new glasses for use on a voluntary basis in pubs, providing tests show the glasses’ durability, safety and cost-effectiveness.

With around 87,000 alcohol-related glass attacks each year, the new glasses have been met with a positive reaction by alcohol concern charities and groups with healthcare costs incurred by attacks resulting in hospital treatment being estimated at around £2.7 billion.