'Cig machines face axe in pubs'

Cigarette vending machines could be banned from pubs and clubs if landmark court cases succeed.Salford council is prosecuting two firms which install the machines as concerns grow that under-age smokers are using them. In Salford, 15 pubs were targeted in an undercover operation and under-age volunteers were able to buy cigarettes from machines in 12 of them - Manchester Evening News​

A pub has apologised after a pregnant woman was ordered out of a pub in Sussex because she was drinking lager. Caroline Williams, 26, who is 23 weeks pregnant, said she felt angry and humiliated after being told to leave the Sussex Cricketer in Hove. She had drunk one pint of lager when the manageress refused to serve her friend a half pint meant also for her - BBC​

It will spell the end for the dentist's chair, one of the favourite drinking games of former England football teams. But Home Office ministers are determined to bring an end to irresponsible drinking promotions, especially a new breed that involves pouring alcohol straight down someone's throat. The police minister, Vernon Coaker, told MPs that it was no longer just a matter of "all you can drink happy hours" or "women drink free" nights. "In some city-centre pubs ... they are now even walking around with a holster on their side with a tube and squirting it straight into the customer's mouth," he said - The Guardian​

Premium Bars & Restaurants: The operator of the Prohibition and Living Room chains sparked fresh fears over its future by failing to release its interim results by yesterday's deadline under AIM rules. It expected to do so in "the next few days". It added that it was continuing to negotiate with its bankers about short-term funding - The Times​

Enterprise Inns: The tenanted pub company sought to reassure investors over its ability to refinance a £1bn debt facility due for renewal in May 2011, although analysts expect it to scrap or significantly reduce dividends as a result - The Times​

Police are shining 'magic torches' into clubbers' faces to check for tiny traces of cocaine - and now employers and parents are being encouraged to follow suit. Forces across the country are buying the £40 torches which can make any microscopic particles of cocaine or amphetamine that are invisible to the naked eye appear bright green. Police in Blackburn are the latest to use the torches allowing them to block revellers from parties and nightclubs. Sgt Alan Clayton said: 'This simple piece of equipment will have a big impact on drug use in pubs and clubs - The Metro​