There are many theories as to why some Brits like to drink many pints of beer, smash the glasses, and then jab the jagged edges into each other's faces.
Some blame "glassing" on the disappearance of the Colonial Empire. Some point to the limited licensing hours, which have traditionally encouraged little Englanders to down 10 pints in three hours, until their legs have left them for another paradigm. But what has always been clear is that beer glasses made from glass have led far too often to glass eyes.
Now, however, scientists have discovered a way to cut down on cut-throat midnight surgeries. According to a Friday post on The Independent, Britain will soon enjoy beer glasses that simply don't shatter.
Two prototypes, based on car windshield technology, have been developed and showcased by a company called Design Bridge, and they are being promoted by the Design Out Crime project of the United Kingdom's Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime.
One design, called "Glass Plus," involves just one layer of glass, with a clear coating of resin on the inside. The other has two layers of glass, one inside the other, held together by resin. This is called "Thin Wall." Both will reportedly be tested in British pubs very soon.
One of the advantages for drinkers, other than the fact that they might keep their faces (and hands) pristine, is that the twin-walled glass will actually keep the beer colder for longer.
However, perhaps some will wonder why, given that Britain endures 87,000 glass attacks every year, according to U.K. government figures, it has taken so long to develop something so blindingly simple.
Designing the next-generation British pint glass from Design Council on Vimeo.