'PM backs away from plans to scrap 24-hour licensing'

Gordon Brown has backed away from plans to scrap 24-hour licensing laws, despite claims by local authorities, health bosses and some senior police chiefs that they have contributed to Britain's "binge drinking" culture - Financial Times​

Pubs and clubs will lose their licences after breaking the drinking laws twice and people caught drinking in public areas where it is banned will face increased fines, the government will announce today - The Times​

A fivefold increase in the maximum fine for antisocial drinking in public places and a battery of new sanctions on supermarkets and off-licences that sell alcohol to underage drinkers are to be announced by ministers today - The Guardian​

Gordon Brown faced embarrassment last night as it emerged the head of his alcohol review had boasted of his predilection for cocktails and trendy bars on a website - as ministers are set to announce that the 24-hour licensing law will remain in place - Daily Mail​

The BBC has been criticised for its "irresponsible" portrayal of binge drinking in its top dramas. Baroness Coussins, a peer who sits on the Advertising Standards Authority council, claims the corporation is failing to show the negative effects of abusing alcohol in shows such as EastEnders and Holby City - Daily Mail​

Gordon Brown's Business Council for Britain is setting up a working group of entrepreneurs to advise it on issues affecting small business, Mervyn Davies, the council's chairman, said yesterday - Financial Times​

Tim How is to step down as chief executive of Majestic Wine after almost two decades and will be replaced at the helm of the biggest independent wine specialist by a former graduate trainee - Financial Times​

Dairy foods like cheese and butter could soon have to carry cigarette-style warnings in a bid to slash Britain's soaring levels of obesity and heart disease - Daily Express​