InBrief

Punch receives another fine

Punch has been hit with its third fine from the Environment Agency in three years. The latest fine of £4,000, with costs of £1,685, was for failing to treat sewage effluent correctly at the George in Finchdean, Hampshire. A Punch spokesman said: "We are taking the matter seriously and have invested, in the past, to install a suitable treatment system at the pub."

MEPs vote to ban smoke across EU

The European Union has called for all member states to introduce a workplace smoking ban by 2008. MEPs voted to adopt a report by German Karl-Heinz Florenz by a majority of 561 to 63. If countries fail to act, the commission could enforce

a directive leading to an

EU-wide ban by 2011.

Escape wins Best Bar None award

Escape - a new Coventry town-centre bar - has been named overall winner in the Coventry's Best Bar None awards, which recognise responsible retailing. Other winners were: Lava & Ignite (club), the Phoenix (pub), and the Brooklands (community pub).

Marston's up for sponsorship award

Marston's has been shortlisted in the European Sponsorship Awards for its sponsorship of the England Cricket Board. Marston's marketing boss Peter Jackson said: "We are delighted to be shortlisted - it shows our investment in and support of the England cricket team have been recognised on an international platform."

The awards take place on

8 November.

Everards appoints new sales boss

Everards has appointed Karen Watson as its new national sales manager. She has been at the Leicestershire brewer for seven years. Watson will be responsible for all Everards' national sales outside its pub estate. She will also oversee Everards' newly-restructured sales team.

Home liver-testing kit launched

A new home liver-testing kit has been launched in a bid to stem the rise in liver disease caused by alcohol abuse. The LiverCheck kit tests for damage through a simple pin prick of blood. Its developers claim it will help save 4,000 people who die each year from liver disease. It is currently available from hospitals and private clinics.