SFI adds four-week induction
Slug & Lettuce operator SFI Group has launched a four-week induction programme for all new general managers as part of its recovery plan. Participants will spend two weeks in the classroom and two weeks at one of its training centres, located at its venues.
Jail or fines forID-card offences
People who fail to register for the Government's ID card scheme could face fines of up to £2,500, under plans revealed on Monday. Anyone who tampers with the cards which many in the trade welcome as a useful tool to cut under-age drinking could face 10 years in jail.
Energy drinks will add buzz to 2005
Alcoholic energy drinks and aluminium bottles will be big in 2005, according to the New York-based analysts Datamonitor. The popularity for Red Bull as a mixer has helped spur the trend for alcoholic energy drinks, said Datamonitor. In America, Anheuser-Busch has flirted with the concept by releasing Budweiser B-to-the-E beer with caffeine, guarana and ginseng.
Takeaways cut house fire risk
Licensees are doing their bit to cut house fires by promoting takeaway food. Posters are going up at pubs in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire urging punters to buy food after a night out rather than cook when they get home. This is part of a Fire Service bid to reduce chip pan fires. The posters show junk food with the line "good for you".
Kids' posters warn of drink driving
Children in Somerset are designing posters warning people of the dangers of drink driving in the run-up to Christmas. Burnham police will use the posters in the area with local pubs, including the Reed Arms and Lighthouse in Burnham, donating money towards a prize for the best poster.
Profits boost Merrydown talks
Sussex cider maker and soft drinks firm Merrydown has said its takeover talks were continuing, following its first interim operating profit for six years. The company turned a £100,000 operating loss a year ago into a £780,000 profit in the six months to 30 September. Sales of Shloer non-alcoholic grape juice were up 14%, and those of Merrydown Vintage up 15%.
