IN BRIEF
Smoke ban leads Scots to quit habit
More Scots are attempting to quit smoking before a public ban comes in next year. The number of smokers calling Scotland's smokeline has risen from 40,000 in 2003 to 58,594 this year. The ban starts on 26 March 2006 in enclosed public places. Allowing people to smoke in no-smoking premises will carry a £200 fine.
Residents appeal over pub's hours
Residents of Saughall Massie in the Wirral, Merseyside, have lodged an appeal against new hours granted to the Saughall hotel. The Saughall is allowed to trade until midnight from Sunday to Thursday, until 1am on Friday and Saturday and until 3am during Christmas week, New Year's Eve and bank holidays. Thirty houses in the village are backing the campaign. Licensee Alan Miller said he couldn't comment before the court hearing, but said he hadn't had any police complaints in 10 years.
Pubs to fore in restaurant guide
Licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen have sponsored Harden's UK Restaurants 2006 guide. The guide, in association with Remy Martin champagne, features many gastro pubs, including winners of the 2006 regional award the Priory Inn, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. The Gun in London's Docklands scooped the London award, while the Anchor and Hope in Waterloo is among the most mentioned in the guide. The Hardens said: 'South Bank gastro pub the Anchor and Hope has created a big name. It topped the survey's list of favourite pubs for the
first time this year.'
TV's looking for pub with problems
Channel 4 is looking for businesses that rely on good customer services to
take part in a documentary. If you're having staffing issues, customer complaints and need help pushing your business in the right direction - Channel 4 is willing to provide a business guru free of charge as part of a documentary. For more information contact Anoop on 0207 290 0663 or email
anoop@bettytv.co.uk
Manchester gets Cask Marque tour
Cask Marque and Hydes brewery celebrated the perfect pint in the Manchester leg of Cask Marque's 'Live it, Love it' beer appreciation tour. Cask Marque director Paul Nunny said: 'This event allowed beer lovers to find out more about the Cask Marque accreditation scheme.'
