Published: 03 November, 2008
The FT
More than 4,000 pubs will go out of business in the next two years as beer sales fall and higher bills crush profits, according to insolvency specialists at PwC. Sixty-four pub businesses went bust in the third quarter - more than double the number in the same period last year and nearly triple the number in 2006. A combination of factors, including the smoking ban and the aggressive marketing of alcohol by supermarkets, had helped encourage people to drink in their homes rather than pubs and bars.
The Mirror
A company which makes home booze deliveries was yesterday slammed for advertising itself as an "emergency service" and using an ambulance logo. Alcohol in Emergency's leaflets proclaim: "A in E ... your quick link to drink." But health groups and MPs called it "ill-judged" marketing by the Southampton firm that delivers all night until 6am.
Almost 42,000 pupils have been sent home for booze or drug offences in the past four years. A total of 1,930 primary and secondary school youngsters were expelled. And a further 39,890 were suspended, figures from the Department for Children Schools and Families show. Separate data from the Home Office reveals 521,000 under-18s have been able to buy alcohol in bars. Almost half of those who drank regularly admitted doing crime.
The Times
A 'silent epidemic' of dementia could await today's binge drinkers, psychiatrists have warned. Heavy drinkers of all ages are at risk of developing debilitating conditions, including alzheimers, in later life, according to a new a study. Its authors are now calling for cigarette-style warning labels on wine bottles to stave off a mental health time bomb.
Beer sales in pubs may be in steep decline, but real ale, once seen as the preserve of the sandal-wearing brigade, is on the up. According to the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba), sales of locally produced beers bucked the trend with a rise of 8 per cent in the first half of the year. The figures are in stark contrast with the wider beer market, which suffered a 7.2 per cent fall in sales in the three months to the end of September.
BBC Online
Pub-goers in Aberdeen are facing a drugs test before entering bars as part of a crackdown by Grampian Police. Officers in the force will be the first in Scotland to use an Itemiser - a device which can detect traces of drugs from hand swabs in a matter of seconds. The test is voluntary, but customers will be refused entry if they do not take part. They could be searched and even arrested if traces are found.
Read more...
|
Published: 31 October, 2008
Shepherd Neame's Asian Collection, which includes Kingfisher Beer, Sun Lik Beer and Asahi Beer, is part of an exclusive offer with the 330 Asda Stores, UK wide.
Source: Shepherd Neame
Read more...
Published: 31 October, 2008
California's Napa Valley contributes $42 billion (£25.9 billion) a year to the entire US wine economy, according the findings of a new report.
Read more...
Published: 31 October, 2008
Government statistics show that the "predicted explosion" in 24-hour drinking venues has failed to materialise. Text
Read more...
Published: 31 October, 2008
French-owned high street retailer Nicolas has appointed Antoine Delafarge to work as a wine buyer alongside chief buyer Alain Favereau.
Read more...
Published: 31 October, 2008
An eBay style online wine auction site launches today (October 31).
Read more...
Published: 30 October, 2008
Pernod Ricard has reported a first quarter revenue rise of 13% thanks to the strong performance of brands such as Perrier-Jouët and Jameson and the recent purchase of Absolut Vodka.
Read more...
Published: 30 October, 2008
Don Ricardo Claro, chair of the Santa Rita wine group in Chile, has passed away after suffering a heart attack.
Read more...
Published: 30 October, 2008
Wine Australia has launched its search for candidates for its scholarship programme, which will offer 12 industry members the chance to go to Australia and participate in a series of educational workshops.
Read more...
Published: 30 October, 2008
PLB Group has appointed former managing director of Paragon Vintners, Tony Dee, to the position of non-executive director.
Read more...
Published: 30 October, 2008
Consumers are spending less on wine and are letting price promotions govern their choices, according to a major survey of wine drinkers by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).
Read more...
Published: 29 October, 2008
United Brands has added Godfrey's Schnapps to its premium portfolio as of November 1st 2008.
Read more...
Published: 29 October, 2008
TV network HBO is launching a range of wines in a spin-off venture of cult US television show The Sopranos, a series about a mobster family in New Jersey.
Read more...
Published: 29 October, 2008
British designer Alexander McQueen has added some fashion-world glamour to whisky, by creating a limited edition 'couture' bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old.
Read more...
Published: 29 October, 2008
Foster's Group has delayed until next year a decision on what to do with its ailing wine business.
Read more...
Published: 29 October, 2008
Lourensford Wines has joined the group of just 13 South African wineries to be named a "champion producer" by the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI).
Read more...
Published: 28 October, 2008
The government has decided not to impose a minimum price on alcohol, according to a report in the Mirror.
Read more...
Published: 28 October, 2008
Grants, distributed in the UK by independent drinks distributor First Drinks Brands, is investing in a major radio campaign to support the Scottish market in the run-up to Christmas.
Read more...
Published: 28 October, 2008
International Beverage Holdings, parent company of Inver House Distillers, is to invest £15 million to centralise its global marketing operations in Scotland.
Read more...
Published: 28 October, 2008
Jancis Robinson mulls over the mysteries of sake, Jonathan Ray visits the Western Cape, and Anthony Rose joins the wine club. Meanwhile, Jane MacQuitty considers what to drink in a recession and Tim Atkin tires of the domination of the big five grape varieties in New World wine.
Read more...
