'Mixed reaction to Borders drinks price pilot proposals'

An MSP's proposal to pilot minimum alcohol pricing in the Scottish Borders has generated a mixed response from the public. Some BBC Scotland news website readers suggested other parts of the country would be better suited to Christine Grahame's suggestion. However, others agreed it could be the "perfect place" to test the policy - BBC​

Without the thick haze of cigarette smoke to mask unappealing smells that linger within large beer tents, the organisers of Oktoberfest have turned to a bacteria to clear the air. Cigarettes will be banned at the event from 2011, but tests are already under way to tackle. the aroma of stale ale, old scraps of food and well-used portaloos that is expected to put visitors to Munich's famous annual party off their bratwurst and beer - The Telegraph​

Pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers (MAB.L) has agreed to buy restaurant chain Ha Ha Bar & Grill for 19.5 million pounds, bulking out its food business in a drive to lift margins. The 22 Ha Ha Bar and Grill restaurants, which served over 100,000 steaks and 70,000 fish fingers last year, will be converted into All Bar One sites, Browns restaurants and other M&B brands - Reuters​

When times are hard, the British people don't turn to religion or drink - they turn to... pies. It seems they are the ultimate comfort food for a nation weighed down with money woes. Sales have risen 5 per cent in the past year to £962million and are expected to exceed £1billion by 2012, according to research - Daily Mail​