'I'll have what he's having' is a genetic response'
Dutch researchers have found those carrying the long version of the dopamine D4 7-repeat genotype are more susceptible to excessive drinking triggered by sensitivity to "alcohol-related cues" including other people drinking and ads. The participants - 113 self-admitted social drinkers - were monitored during a pub lab, and non-carriers drank half the amount of alcohol as carriers when others were also drinking up. Saliva tests were used to identify the 31 gene carriers. The researchers concluded, "whether or not people are wired to adapt their drinking to the choice and pace of others may partly depend on their genetic susceptibility to drinking cues - The Independent
ConDem plans to get the public to catch criminals themselves were blasted as "policing on the cheap" yesterday. Home Secretary Theresa May announced she wanted to send people out on the beat alongside police. She also wants a new force of "police reservists" to provide part-time cover and more than four times the number of unpaid special constables - Daily Mirror
An Aberdeen councillor hopes the Scottish government can provide more guidance on how to handle rogue alcohol promotions. Scottish licensing laws were changed last year in a bid to discourage binge-drinking.Bill Cormie told BBC Scotland reports have been received that some city nightclubs are using social networking sites to advertise 24-hour-only offers.He wants to clarify exactly what constitutes irresponsible promotions - BBC
Brewer and pubs operator Hydes today toasted a rise in underlying annual pre-tax profits of almost 40 per cent as it kept a tight rein on costs and saw strong growth across its free trade business during a 'testing year' for the industry - Manchester Evening News
A course on the new licensing laws in Scotland has been launched for people working in the hospitality or drinks industry.West Lothian College's Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (SCPLH) course has been designed to fulfil the requirements of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 requirements which state that anyone who authorises the sale of alcohol to the public must hold a licensing qualification. Daniel Evans, sales executive at West Lothian College, said: "A number of one-day courses will run throughout the year" - The Scotsman
