 Plans to introduce sturdy plastic beer mugs at this year's Oktoberfest have triggered outrage in Munich, with a spokesman for city breweries saying the clink of glass against glass was the essence of the world's biggest beer festival. Ludwig Hagn, operator of the Loewenbraeu tent, said earlier he had been so impressed at the plastic mugs used in the Moscow version of Oktoberfest that he would be trying out the same in Munich. They not only meant less broken glass, but were also lighter to carry for the serving staff who often heft 10 or more of the 1-litre glass steins at a time. Calling it an "absurd idea", Toni Roiderer said all the brewers had warned Hagn he would have to go it alone. "Here in Bavaria, beer is a cultural treasure. When we sit together and chink glasses, the sound is like our church bells, a symbol of harmony and good cheer," said Roiderer. "If you can't stand broken glass, then you should serve it in cartons with a straw!" he added sarcastically. |
