Scottish Labour calls for UK ban on below cost sales

The Scottish Alcohol Commission has called for a UK-wide ban on below-cost sales, restraints on alcohol advertising, and a social responsibility levy for retailers.

Harpers survey: have your say in proposals for trade reform

Harpers Wine & Spirit is calling on the trade to have its say in government proposals to reform alcohol pricing and safeguard health.

Consorzio Tuscania joins O2inWines

O2inWines, the international association of oxygen management in wines, has welcomed its 18th member.

Diageo calls for alcohol tax shake-up

Diageo has called for an alcohol tax shake-up which would hike the duty on beers, wine and cider to the same rate as spirits.

Currency update, August 31: sterling quarterly quotes revised upwards

Sterling's movement last week was dictated by risk sentiment as sterling suffered on increased risk aversion at the start of the week but benefitted towards the end of the week due to gains in global stock markets.

Wines in the press - August 26-29

Guardian
Victoria Moore is talking to New Zealander, Sam Harrop MW who thinks we're spending thousands on cases of en primeur Bordeaux when there's a region producing red wines showing better terroir, and with more vibrancy for a fraction of the price.

Durius opens first London restaurant

The Durius Café restaurant chain has opened its first branch in London, following the launch of four in Spain.

Hardys confirms multi-million pound campaign

Australian wine brand Hardys is planning a multi-million pound campaign around the extension of its Come Dine with Me sponsorship and an iPhone app.

Pernod Ricard ups investment by 30% for Christmas

Pernod Ricard has unveiled the firm's Christmas plans ? it has upped marketing investment by 30% for this year's focus on premium brands across TV ad campaigns, sponsorships and new packaging.

'Make it at Bushmills' competition winner announced

A 28-year-old lifeguard from Svishtov Bulgaria, has won the global Bushmills Irish Whiskey 'Make it at Bushmills' challenge.

Diageo warns it may shift head office overseas

Diageo issued a warning to the UK government that it would not hesitate to move its head office overseas should taxes become "onerous".

Currency update, August 27: sterling benefits from investor confidence

Sterling benefited from improved risk sentiment as gains in stock markets gave investors the confidence to seek higher returns elsewhere.

Plumpton launches course on 'The Wine Trade in Britain'

Plumpton College has launched a new course entitled, "The Wine Trade in Britain".

Police uncover illicit vodka plant near Bristol

Police have discovered an illicit alcohol still near Bristol, and believe fraudsters were producing fake vodka and selling it under the Chekov Imperial and Chundoff Russian brands.

Bars and restaurants should capitalise on Christmas overnighters

Bars and restaurants should capitalise on the opportunity that one in three people will make a Christmas shopping trip this year which will include an overnight stay, according to Retail Eyes.

Currency update, August 26: a quiet day for sterling

Sterling had a fairly quiet day yesterday and remains range bound against the euro and US dollar.

Diageo wine sales up 20% in Great Britain

Diageo wine sales have grown 20% in Great Britain over the last year - led by Blossom Hill and innovative grocery sector launches.

Edinburgh: new Whiski Bar concept

Glenrothes to launch whisky making competition

Glenrothes is launching a global cometition giving four consumers a chance to become Glenrothes whisky makers for a week.

UK revival for Romanian wine?

Romanian wine is being stocked at Oddbins once again following a 10-year hiatus ? prompting claims that the country's wines are undergoing a UK revival.