'JD Wetherspoon backs time zone shift'

'One of Britain's biggest pub chains is backing plans to move the UK into the Continental time zone - in the hope that longer, lighter evenings will...

'One of Britain's biggest pub chains is backing plans to move the UK into the Continental time zone - in the hope that longer, lighter evenings will encourage even more drinking. JD Wetherspoon, which has more than 750 pubs nationwide, says moving to the European time zone would boost sales "and could be a positive benefit to our customers". The UK leisure industry will meet ministers this week to discuss adopting the time change, which would put Britain two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in summer and an hour ahead in winter.' - Mail on Sunday

'Labour has spent almost £7million on television adverts warning about the dangers of drinking in pubs - just four years after giving the go-ahead to 24-hour opening. The commercials show the damage that an extra pint or glass of wine can inflict on internal organs - but they have led to accusations of hypocrisy against the Government which allowed unrestricted drinking. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said: "The sheer nerve of it. They are spending taxpayers' money to try to solve the problems their policies have created."' - Mail on Sunday

'Roger Carr, the ousted chairman of Cadbury, has suggested the rules need changing to protect businesses against hostile bids. "While capitalism is efficient, it may be unreasonable that a few individuals with weeks of share ownership can determine the lifetime destiny of many," he admits. Carr is proposing that bids succeed only if they are backed by holders of at least 60 per cent of shares - not the current simple majority. And he wants hedge funds and other speculators barred from voting shares bought during a bid.' - Independent on Sunday

A mother bought her teen daughter a stash of booze... and sent her off on a picnic to drink it. The girl, 14, and two under-age pals were stopped on their way to woods carrying 12 cans of lager, two bottles of cider, four bottles of Smirnoff Ice and 16 bottles of WKD. The mother, of Cleveleys near Blackpool, Lancs - who admitted buying the drink - was quizzed by police and given an £80 on-the-spot fine. - The Mirror

Paramedics are using new "booze tents" to treat a town's drunk clubbers. The mobile alcohol recovery tents will be used to ease the strain on the hospital A&E unit in Gloucester during peak drinking hours, on Friday and Saturday nights. - The Mirror

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