'Government to tighten smoking area rules'
The current ban on smoking in workplaces and "enclosed public places" such as pubs and workplaces could be extended to cover areas such as walkways and entrances to buildings. As well as proposing tobacco companies sell their products in plain packets, Health Secretary Andy Burnham will this week pave the way for new "interventionist" policies aimed at stopping people smoking in their own homes or cars if they live with children. However, he will stop short of planning an outright ban on domestic or in-car smoking - claiming this would be a move too far against freedom of choice. - Sunday Telegraph
An angry pub customer who flicked a barmaid's ponytail as he was being kicked out - has been convicted of assault. Michelle Pater had told Antony Long, 24, to leave the pub in Egremont, Cumbria, because he was shouting and swearing. Magistrate Doug McNicholas said: "While this was a minor assault, it did take place in a public place and to a person who was just doing their job." Long, of Egremont, was fined £50 and told to pay a £15 victim surcharge by the court in Whitehaven. - The Mirror
Cut-price promotions on alcohol are damaging the drinks industry, according to the bosses of a small whisky distillery. Edradour distillery in Perthshire is one of the latest drinks manufacturers to back controversial Scottish Government plans for minimum pricing. Last week, drinks giant Tennent's announced that the plans could be "part of the solution" to Scotland's £3.56bn problem with alcohol. - Scotland on Sunday
Enterprise Inns is one of nine companies in whom the London Stock Exchange is to offer bonds directly to the public through its electronic order book - a computer system that automatically matches buyers and sellers. Previously investors had to buy bonds through a broker. S&P, the ratings agency, puts Enterprise Inns at below investment grade - also known as a junk bond. The other eight are all investment grade, although some, such as BT, are close to junk status. - Sunday Times
