'Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns under fire'

Both Punch and debt-laden rival Enterprise Inns have recently come under fire for charging tenants almost double the wholesale price for leading lagers. Price lists seen by Sun City show Enterprise charges £124.70 for an 11-gallon keg of Foster's — against a wholesale price of £74.80.Treasury minister Angela Eagle hinted this week that she would look into the "tie" which forces tenants to buy their beer exclusively from such companies -The Sun​

Scottish business leaders and the drinks industry have branded the SNP's attempts to push forward legislation to tackle Scotland's alcohol problem "unacceptable". In a letter published in The Scotsman today, they claim that changes would not be given the full consideration they need. "That legislation is being pushed through without receiving the attention it deserves is a grave implications the changes have for Scottish consumers and businesses," they write - The Scotsman​

Fuller Smith & Turner, the brewer and pubs group, rose 5p to 380p after Altium reiterated "buy" advice with a 410p price target, saying that strong finances meant the company should be able to gain market share by buying pubs at rock-bottom prices from rivals such as Punch Taverns, which is thought to be keen to sell pubs to cut its debt - The Times​

Children whose mothers drink during pregnancy could acquire a taste for booze. Scientists found they may become attracted to its smell in the womb - increasing the likelihood of teenage alcohol problems - The Mirror​

Two Scottish councils are facing legal action over claims they discriminate against shops which sell Buckfast. J Chandler & Co, which distributes the tonic wine, said it had evidence officials in Glasgow and South Ayrshire had singled out the product. Both authorities have denied the claim and said they had always acted in accordance with licensing laws. Buckfast, which is produced at Buckfast Abbey in Devon, has been highlighted in debates in Scotland on alcohol abuse - BBC​