'Brewing chiefs urge end to beer tax regime'
Forty leading bosses in the brewing and pub industry have called on the Government to recognise the key role played by pubs in their local communities by scrapping the punitive beer duty regime. In a letter to The Times, published today before next week's Budget, the heads of companies including Anheuser-Busch InBev UK, Heineken UK and Enterprise Inns claim that the industry's ability to participate in the economic recovery is being jeopardised by "the blunt instrument of tax" - The Times
The government has today rejected a call from MPs on the Commons health select committee to crack down on alcohol advertising, including a pre-9pm watershed ban, instead backing a policy of education and self-regulation. There was "some way to go" before the restrictions proposed by the health select committee should be considered, the Department of Health said - The Guardian
Hundreds of pubs doomed to closure could be rescued under Government proposals to help to fund "community buyouts", promote local beers and cut planning red tape. Ministers will announce today that they will match money raised by residents to buy the freeholds of ailing pubs and provide business support to help to set up post offices, shops and restaurants in the same premises - The Times
A pub in Staffordshire makes you feel tipsy even without a drink! Most people get a boost from popping to the pub. But customers at the Crooked House, get a sinking feeling when they walk through the door.The wonky tavern has been named Britain's drunkest inn because even sober visitors are likely to have a wobble inside - The Daily Mail
Supermarkets are promoting alcopops - the powerful drinks often targeted at teenagers - more than any other alcohol. Figures published today reveal 46 per cent of the controversial drinks have been on offer throughout the past year. The deals are designed to increase sales of products like the Bacardi Breezer, Smirnoff Ice and WKD ranges - which are sugary drinks with an alcohol kick - Daily Mail
