The number of pints served in Britain's pubs and bars in the run-up to the busy festive period declined by almost 10 per cent as chilly smokers, no longer allowed a cigarette inside a pub, cut short their drinking time or stayed at home - The Guardian
Women drink more than men at fancy dress parties, scientists say. Previous research into alcohol consumption in social gatherings has almost universally found men drink more than women - Daily Telegraph
Wine lovers could soon be paying up to £1 more for their favourite bottle of red in the latest blow to cash-strapped consumers. Majestic Wine yesterday said that it would be forced to raise some of its prices after poor grape harvests and pressure from the strong Euro - The Times
Power bills are set to soar for millions of businesses as temperatures plummeted below freezing across much of Britain and oil traded above $100 a barrel for the second day running - The Times
