NewsDigest

Smoke-ban rebel Hamish Howitt has changed his name by deed poll to Hamish Guy Fawkes in protest over the smoking ban. The licensees of the Happy Scots Bar in Blackpool chose the name because his trial has been set for 5 November. He said: "I'm not changing my name to disrespect the legal system - I'm doing it to mock the Labour Government." Howitt is set to appear at Blackpool Magistrates to answer 13 charges relating to breaches of the smoking ban.

A traffic light system for rating the level of disorder at pubs and clubs has led to a "dramatic" reduction in alcohol-related incidents, police say. The scheme grades venues in Epsom, Surrey, as red, amber, or green, depending on the number of incidents in the previous six months. Those rated red have their premises licence reviewed. Two venues have received red gradings since the scheme began in 2006, but since then the premises have been re-graded as green.

Researches have discovered that the slogan "Guinness is good for you" may actually be true. The study, which was carried out at the University of Wisconsin, found that a pint of the black stuff each day may be as effective in preventing heart attacks as an aspirin because it helps to reduce blood clots. Trials at the university tested stout alongside lager and found that Guinness reduced clotting but lager did not. The researches believe the antioxidant compounds found in Guinness are responsible for the health benefits.

The Royal Oak pub, in Cerne Abbas, has received two accolades at this year's Dorset Food & Drink Awards. Head chef Darran Ridley scooped Best Dining Pub of the Year and Best Pub Chef of the Year. Darran said: "We're delighted to have won the awards in both the categories that we were nominated for. It's a true testament of the team's hard work and our commitment to strive to be the best." County magazine Dorset organises the awards to promote excellence and recognise achievements of local food and drink producers.