Deadline passes for SIA licences
Licensees in Leicestershire are being warned to make sure their doorstaff are registered or risk prosecution. The deadline for door supervisors to get the new Security Industry Authority licence has now passed it was extended to 6 January.
Beer sales rise 20% for Cains
Liverpool brewer Cains has reported a 20% increase in beer sales during 2004.The company said thiswas helped by new contracts to supply a number of national pub chains. Cains said production had grown 200%, and turnover had increased from £14m to £30m, since 2002.
Jennings to boost Queen's Head
Leased pubco Jennings Brothers has pledged £64,000 to help expand the Queen's Head in Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, by nearly 50% of its original size. A separate sunroom over the beer garden will be built, plus a new restaurant for 30 people. A new menu is also promised.
Vandals knock out licensee
A Shropshire host was left unconscious after he was hit with a piece of concrete when he confronted vandals outside his pub. Terry Hardy, of the Thomas Telford in Telford, went outside to confront the gang of youths, who were vandalising a telephone kiosk and then attacked him on Sunday.
Smoking ban adopted in Italy
Italy has become the latest country in Europe to enact a smoking ban for all enclosed places, including pubs. Businesses face fines of up to 22,000 (£1,395) if customers smoke on the premises, and punters themselves could be fined 2275 (£191). The ban started this week.
Host may facejail for assault
A host has been warned he may face jail after he hit a teenager so hard that his head smashed through a kebab shop window. Steven Swain, of Swansons pub in Market Place, Bungay, Suffolk, admitted assault at Lowerstoft Magistrates Court last week. Swain committed the act after he heard a group of youths shouting abuse at his son. Magistrate Mike Cadman adjourned the case until 2 February but warned Swain: "We consider your offence so serious that you may be going to prison."
