SUSSEX Police are seeking to block tourists from drinking Sussex sparkling wine out of a glass on the i360, for fear they might use broken glass as a weapon in the pod.

At present the attraction is not permitted to serve drinks in glass containers.

Its licence states: “All drinks that are dispensed into glass type vessels in the Pod or any of the outside areas shall be dispensed into polycarbonate or the like.”

Additionally it only has permission to serve alcohol to diners in its restaurant - not to run a bar - and it cannot sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The i360 has asked that these conditions be removed, a request to be considered by city council licensing panel when it meets on Wednesday.

But objections have been received from Sussex Police, as well as from residents concerned about the creation of another drinking establishment on the seafront.

The police objection letter from Licensing And Response Inspector Di Lewis says: “Sussex Police feel this could increase the potential for crime and disorder and reduces public safety as any person despite their age or demographic could use a broken glass as a weapon while in the Pod.

“Care is taken to remove knives and sharp implements from the public when entering the pod and the introduction of glass drinking vessels could increase the risk of injury to the public as they could be used as a weapon if broken.

“The applicant has not stated how health and safety will be managed in the pod should there be a breakage or injury to a member of the public.”

Steve Bax, Executive Director of the i360, told The Argus: “I appreciate the concerns raised by both the licensing authority and the police, however we are not a high street bar or nightclub.

“It is also worth noting that we have 24-hour security presence on site with staff positioned in all areas.

“Our duty managers are also trained to Security Industry Authority standards.

“We are therefore in a strong position to ensure our visitors are safe at all times and to actively manage any incidents that may occur on or around our premises before they become an issue.”

The licensing panel’s decision will also affect the attraction’s new “Sky Dining” experience, which starts in late April. An i360 spokeswoman said: “It would certainly ‘elevate’ the experience if diners weren’t having to drink out of plastic glasses.”