'Scotland's Justice Minister condemned for hike in licence fees'

Scotland's Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill has been accused of ignoring the plight of rural businesses at risk of closure after a hike in licence fees. Under the new system, local shops and bed-and-breakfasts have to pay thousands of pounds in fees if they want to sell alcohol. Fees for larger pubs have soared to £2,000 for an initial licence application, with an additional £900 annual renewal cost.- The Telegraph​

Pubs should be able to compete with supermarkets when it comes to selling alcohol below cost price because they promote a more responsible pattern of drinking. The move by Wetherspoon's to cut prices is a responsible reduction compared to slashing the cost of spirits in supermarkets and means that punters will be able to enjoy a cheaper pint in the company of others - Will Beckett writes in The Guardian​

People suffering from the effects of alcohol or drugs are to helped by a new bus project in Newmarket, Cambridge. The SOS bus will be fitted out with an area for relaxation, beds for those who need medical attention and manned by trained volunteers and St John Ambulance first aid staff. It is hoped the scheme will take pressure off police in the area and the Home Office is to provide £30,000 running costs - Cambridge Evening News​

Inbev has been criticised by campaigners after the announced closure of the 600 year old brewery in Mortlake, west London has left 200 staff facing redundancy. Richmond Park Lib Dem MP Susan Kramer said: "It is clear that businesses, big and small, are being hit by the economic crisis, but it is a real worry to see so many jobs potentially wiped out in one fell swoop." - Morning Star​