'Guinness gets a rival as sales of black lager go through the roof'

With sales soaring 42% in the last year, Black lager is the fastest growing tipple in Britain with supermarkets and pubs struggling to keep up with demand - The Mirror​

David Nutt, the former government drugs czar who was sacked for saying ecstasy was no worse than alcohol, is developing a drink that he claims will give a similar kick to spirits but without the harmful effects. The small liquid shot would give the same lift as a few drinks after work. But those enjoying its benefits could then take an antidote before driving home. There would be no hangover and no damage to the liver. "Modern science can now provide a safer way for us to have fun," Nutt said - The Times​

Punch Taverns is to announce the retirement of Fritz Ternofsky, its senior independent director. Temofsky, who has held the role since the company's float in 2002, will be replaced by Tony Rice, chief executive of Cable & Wireless Communications. Mike Foster, another director, will also depart - The Times​

Columnist George Pitcher lambasts the proposal from transport secretary Lord Adonis' to lower the drink-driving limit. "It's an absurd proposal. Lord Adonis should get out more and ahave a pint. Happily, after May he should have time to do so" - Daily Telegraph ​

Speaking ahead of his final annual report before retiring, England's chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said the rejection of a minimum alcohol price was his main disappointment. Sir Liam said: 'I still hope it will come in. I think we have to wait until after the election.' - Daily Mail ​

Comedian Dom Joly won a darts competition in a pub in Kazakhstan. "The Kazakh people are a great drinking nation," he told the Kazakh press. "As such they show much potential for becoming a major force in world darts in two to three years." - The Independent ​