Sainsbury's backs Beer Academy

Sainsbury's has become a silver patron of the Beer Academy. As the new sponsor of the International Beer Competition 2005, it will use Academy courses to help train its off-licence managers and other staff.

Cleveland chief backs police tax

Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price has come out in favour of compulsory paid-for policing. Cleveland hosts already pay towards policing but he said pubs should contribute more. He also praised the proposed Alcohol Disorder Zones.

Database could identify ADZs'

Gloucester Police is the latest force to use a new database that keeps detailed records of police call-outs to pubs. The information stored in the Inn Keeper database could be used to highlight pubs that cause disorder and possible areas which should become Alcohol Disorder Zones.

Trade dismisses binge noise link

Pub operators have dismissed claims by Alcohol Concern that outlets crank up the music to encourage speed drinking and increase profits. Mitchells & Butlers director of public affairs Simon Ward said: "I don't think this suggestion has any substance."

Spirit orderedto pay £16,000

Spirit Group has been fined £11,800 and ordered to pay costs of £4,477 after admitting three charges of failing to keep the kitchen area clean and in good repair at the Robin Hood pub inSt Ives. A new management team has now been put in place at the pub.

Met commissioner fires parting shot

Outgoing Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens fired a parting shot at the drinks industry saying that weekend behaviour in London was becoming increasingly violent with people vomiting and fighting. He asked: "Why should not the industry who create some of the problems pay for it?"

80% drink before legally allowed'

A Church of Ireland report into binge drinking has revealed that 80% of Northern Irish teenagers have consumed alcohol by the time they are 18. The report calls for a curb on this trend and suggests that alcohol abuse is ruining young people's lives.