What the Sunday papers say
The Observer
- The government has been accused of ignoring an impending health crisis after it emerged a long-awaited report on alcohol misuse rules out more cash for treating people with drink problems.
A radical new product that physically stops drink-drivers starting their cars is to be launched in the UK. The "alcolock" requires the driver to take a breath-test before the ignition can be started and activates a lock if the driver fails.
The surging euro may force the European Central Bank to cut rates on Thursday, say economists. But the Bank of England is expected to hold its rates.
The Sunday Telegraph
- Alan Parker, the chief executive designate of Whitbread, has bought 13,000 shares in the leisure group at 757p each. The purchase is the first significant sharedealing by a director since November.
The Bank of England should raise interest rates by 0.5 per cent to "bring consumers to their senses" according to the Ernst & Young Item Club, the economic forecasters who use the Treasury's own model.
The Independent on Sunday
- JD Wetherspoon results this Wednesday mark the return of its founder, major shareholder and chairman Tim Martin. The company is expected to report profits up from £25.6m to £27.3m.
Meanwhile Belgian brewer Interbrew, maker of Stella Artois, is expected to report profits "modestly lower" than last year, hit by the main excuse de jour, negative currency trends.
Josip and Ante Galic could drink anyone under the table in their Bosnian village. Now they know why. When one went to the hospital doctors found he had not two, but four kidneys. A check-up revealed his brother was similarly well-equipped.
The Sunday Express
- The Chancellor is set to raise duty on beer and wine in line with inflation and freeze tax on spirits in the Budget next month.
The famously anti-live sport and anti-music chain JD Wetherspoon is to extend its trial of TV screens in time for Euro 2004 this summer. Read more on thePublican.com.
The government was accused of waving the white flag over Britain's opt out of the Working Time Directive, in a move that could cost business billions. Ministers are set to drop Britain's opt out from EU laws which limit people's working weeks to 48 hours.
Homeowners are set for a breather this week when the Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at four per cent.
The Mail on Sunday
- Private equity group BC Partners is considering a sale of C&C Group, or a flotation that would value it at about £700m. The Irish drinks group owns the Bulmers cider brand in Ireland, as well as Tullamore Dew whiskey. Read more on thePublican.com.
JD Wetherspoon will cause investors concern as it prepares to report less than frothy results. The firm is expected to report profits of £27m, slightly up on last year's £25.6m.
The Sunday Times
- Prince Charles is to urge consumers to stop eating Britain's traditional fish and chips if they contain threatened species such as cod, hake and halibut.
An official list of Britain's most annoying companies, compiled by Complaindomain.com, is to include posh London eaterie Sketch. It is the first restaurant to make it on to the list.
