'Mayor calls for cigarette vending machine ban'
The elected mayor of Middlesbrough is calling for pubs in the town to get rid of cigarette vending machines. Ray Mallon believes the move would help stamp out underage smoking. Establishments which volunteer to do so will receive a signed certificate and be added to a "roll of honour" in a council newspaper sent to households - BBC News
A Sat-Nav programme which guides drivers to the nearest boozer has been slammed by road safety groups. The Campaign for Real Ale's £5 download directs motorists to more than 4,500 pubs featured in its Good Beer Guide. Its advert boasts: "Now, wherever you are, there is no excuse for not finding your nearest Good Beer Guide pub!" - The Sun
Scottish Government plans to ban under-21s from buying alcohol in off-sales have won the support of the SNP's annual conference. The party's youth wing had challenged the restriction, questioning whether it would solve Scotland's drink problem. However, their amendment was defeated by 131 votes to 190 - BBC News
A Glasgow pub with a horror movie theme faces losing its late-night drinks licence because Dr Frankenstein's creature does not scare the patrons quite as often as he should. Licensing board chiefs in Glasgow want more emphasis on monsters and less on drinking, or they will force Frankenstein's in the city centre to keep normal pub hours - The Scotsman
Hundreds of crisis-hit pubs could be bailed out by council tax payers. But to qualify for a handout, they will have to turn themselves into post offices, shops, libraries or internet cafes as well as serving drinks. The new "People's Pubs" could even supply school dinners under local Government Minister Hazel Blears' plan - The Mirror
Celtic fans will be welcomed to Manchester by publicans tomorrow — just five months after Rangers supporters rioted in the city. There are no plans for bars to close before the arrival of up to 5,000 Hoops followers for the Champions League clash with Man United. Phil Burke, spokesman for the Manchester Pub and Club Network, said: "We've dealt with Celtic fans before and never had any problems." - The Sun
