'Pubs told to cut down noise as part of battle to beat binge drinking'

The Government's latest proposal to combat Britain's binge-drinking epidemic is to turn down the volume of music in pubs and bars. Landlords could be forced to outlaw all entertainment louder than 70 decibels - roughly the same as a hairdryer - to curb alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour. A Labour taskforce has been persuaded by research which showed that loud music in pubs made customers buy more alcohol and drink it faster. But pubs claim a limit on noise would put an end to televised sports events and comedy nights and leave jukeboxes barely audible. Mark Hastings, of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: 'There is absolutely no evidence to suggest a link between music and binge-drinking. - Mail On Sunday​

After a month of fresh air, smoking has been allowed once again inside Atlantic City's 11 casinos. The council of the East coast of America city passed a total smoking ban in April but the financial meltdown led to a steep decline in takings at the casinos. The council has now changed its mind and agreed to repeal the smoking ban for at least a year. - Sunday Telegraph​