IN BRIEF
UPC pub lands a leasehold first
Staff at a multi-award winning venue have become the first from a leased pub to be awarded the BII diploma in Licensed Retailing. Eight workers at the Union Pub Company's Fountain Inn at Clent, near Stourbridge, West Midlands, gained the qualification, which includes units in profit loss and budget control, understanding your market, and selling.
One-woman fight against pub hours
One woman is leading the residents' fight against later pub opening in Westminster. Emily Scantlebury runs the Licensing Advice Project, which gives advice on how to object to applications. She helped a resident successfully oppose a bid for later opening, live music and dancing at the Wargrave Arms, Brendon Street. Scantlebury claims to have a 100% record for defeating plans or winning concessions.
Seasonal porter from Sheps
Kent brewer Shepherd Neame has announced a seasonal draught ale for the winter. Original Porter (4.8% abv), is billed as perfect for the season, with a rich, full flavour, underlying liquorice note and fruity spiciness. It is released in December and will be available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs and the freetrade until February.
15th Que Pasa opens in Bristol
SDA has opened its 15th Que Pasa bar in Bristol. Operations director Tim Bird said: 'The city has some excellent bars but the opening of Que Pasa provides another dimension and we believe it will take the city by storm.' The opening was attended by magician Jayne Corrigan, who performed tricks and illusions.
Four more winners in Massive contest
The latest heat in Massive Pub Company's Tup Idol karaoke contest has taken place at the firm's City Tup. The four winners on the night - who sung classic songs including Nothing Compares to U and Don't Look Back in Anger - will go through to the grand final on 17 November. The overall winner will get a week for two in Japan.
Mother out to stop daughter drinking
The mother of a teenage girl has distributed photos of her daughter to more than 30 pubs and clubs in Somerset to stop her binge drinking. Julie Clifton took the action after hearing that her daughter Alex planned to go out and 'get smashed' on her 16th birthday.
