Marlborough Wine Festival organisers have been put on notice to find an alternative to glass drinking containers for festivals in future.
The Marlborough District Council has over-ruled a police objection to glass for the event in February next year, but has signalled that time is running out for glass containers at the popular festival.
The council's liquor licensing sub-committee has granted the festival a licence for glasses in 2012, but has told organisers to start planning for a different wine container.
Police say broken glass could cause injuries and that glasses could be used as a weapon.
Wine Marlborough says glass-related injuries are insignificant and it does not plan to switch to plastic. About 8000 people are expected in February.
The district council has declined permission for beer glasses to be used at the annual Marlborough Blues, Brews and Barbecues summer festival.
