'Local council bans traditional pub game'

The traditional East Anglian pub sport of "Dwile Flonking" has been banned by a council because it breached health and safety drinking laws, it was claimed. The sport's inaugural world championships were due to be held this weekend at the Dog Inn pub, in Ludham, Great Yarmouth. But Norfolk District Council outlawed the game because it contravened laws aimed at banning speed drinking. During the game, ''flonkers'' use a pole to launch a beer-soaked cloth at opponents, with the aim of giving them a hearty wet slap in the face. Rules state if their soggy missile misses its target twice in a row, the competitor must down a pot - or half - of ale as quickly as possible. - Daily Telegraph​

The Scottish coalition government's controversial plans to crack down on cut price supermarket alcohol deals have received the surprise backing of Scotland's whisky industry. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), which has been a vociferous campaigner against minimum pricing proposals in Scotland, will today throw its weight behind the Westminster policy. - Scotsman​

Football fans can expect more than just the country's biggest ever party if England win the World Cup this summer. They can also look forward to the prospect of drinking in Wayne Rooney-themed pubs, as well as hitting the cinema to watch a Fabio Capello movie. Rapper 50 Cent plans to profit from an England win by opening a string of pubs across America and he wants Rooney and his other Man United pal Rio Ferdinand, 31, to be the faces of the venture. - Daily Star​

Alcoholic and former Coronation Street star Bruce Jones has opened a bar in what he hopes could be the first of what he hopes will be a chain across the country. Teaming up with Black Lace frontman Dene Michael, they have called their Sunderland pub Agadoo's after the band's cheesy 80s hit. Bruce, 57, who played Weatherfield layabout Les Battersby until 2007, said: "For me this is kind of like a new beginning. I hope the people like it." - Daily Mirror​