'Hitman Hatton joins the beer tax fight'

Ricky Hatton tells The Sun why he backs the brewing industry's Axe The Beer Tax campaign. "I am supporting the Axe The Beer Tax, Save The Pub campaign which has the support of the pub industry as well as consumer groups such as the Campaign For Real Ale, trade unions and MPs from the three main political parties. The campaign is calling for action to help protect and promote pubs and to urge the Government to reverse plans to impose more tax on beer in their April Budget. A third of the price of a pint goes to the taxman and I hope all politicians now recognise that enough is enough" - The Sun​

Pub landlords struggling to get credit in the downturn will be able to apply for emergency loans of up to £1million.The help for some of the estimated 39 pubs closing every week will apply to new loans as well as existing debt banks will not renew - The Mirror​

Scotland is to become the first country in Europe to set a minimum price for alcohol - raising the prospect that England could follow suit. The devolved government announced yesterday that shops would be banned from selling drinks below a certain price. Money-saving promotions such as 'three-for-two' deals would also be outlawed - The Daily Mail​

A pub landlord sacked for having a crafty cigarette now has to climb up scaffolding to get to the flat above. Paul Brown, 47, lit up after closing time at the Brown Cow in York but was spotted by a licensing officer and sacked by Samuel Smith's Brewery." - The Metro ​

The numbers are startling. The British Beer and Pub Association says that 39 pubs are closing every week. Beer sales have fallen to levels last seen during the 1930s depression. It used to be said that Britain was a nation of beer drinkers. We seem to be kicking the habit. What has happened to the great British pub? - The Financial Times​

Awards are to be given to pubs and clubs in the capital which do the most to combat alcohol-related crime and disorder. Believed to be the first of their kind in South Wales, the police and council-run Thirst Class awards are designed to encourage good practice and make Cardiff city centre safer. Points will be awarded to small, medium and large premises throughout the year- Wales Online​