Adnams signs Bitburger deal

Adnams and Bitburger have signed a 10-year rolling contract that will further strengthen the existing14-year relationship. This is the first time the companies have agreed to a rolling agreement, allowing Adnams to make fresh investments in the Bitburger brands. A new marketing campaign for Bitburger is also imminent. Adnams managing director Jonathan Adnams said: "We have agreed a five-year volume plan with Bitburger that is challenging but is achievable."

Cannon reveals EP strategy

Three months after its takeover of troubled Eldridge Pope, Michael Cannon's SDA has revealed its plans for the 151-strong pub estate. SDA is to retain the EP initials, but with new meaning ­ Excellent Pubs and Excellent People. SDA chief executive Paul Beadle said: "We have some exciting plans for transforming the pubs into places where people really want to be. Our aim is to offer great hospitality, great atmosphere and great food, all day and every day." The managed house estate is being split into new trading segments: Nostalgic Inns, Great Locals and Town Pubs.

EU off-trade blitz bizarre' says Payne

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne has labelled EU plans to clamp down on off-trade alcohol sales "bizarre and unworkable". Measures being drawn up include forcing off-licences to close between Mondays and Fridays and for massive duty hikes on alcohol. It is feared the scheme could force thousands of off-licences to close.

Gas explosion injures Kent licensee

A Kent host narrowly escaped death after a gas explosion rocked his pub and blew off its cellar doors. Colin Foreman, manager of Chequers in Sevenoaks, was in the cellar when an explosion occurred under a manhole cover outside the Spirit pub on 15 February. He was treated in hospital for burns and later discharged. Spirit said: "Our primary concern is for the manager, who suffered minor injuries but was deeply shocked, our team and for our customers, who were immediately and safely evacuated from the site."

First smoke-free pub for Yorkshire Dales

An historic pub on the Yorkshire Dales that was closed for three years has re-opened as the first non-smoking pub in the area. The 300-year-old Stone House Inn at Thruscross, near Pateley Bridge, has been bought by two families from Leeds and re-opened on Saturday. The previous owner wanted to turn it into houses but the bid was rejected after massive local opposition.