Punch's customer services director Francis Patton has been appointed to the panel that will examine the new licensing fees. The Independent Review Panel will identify any problems with the fees and recommend how the fees structure could be developed. Patton will be joined by representatives of councils and other interested parties. Licensing minister James Purnell said: 'We've drawn together experts in rural issues, finance, industry and trade, so that all views are considered and we get the fees right. The panel will release an interim report in October, with a final report in autumn 2006.
Pitcher & Piano on expansion trail
The first new Pitcher & Piano bar in five years is set to open on 7 July. Pathfinder Pubs, Wolverhampton & Dudley's managed arm, invested £2.5m on the 6,000sq ft site at Southampton's Ocean Village marina, which is being upgraded to include luxury apartments and offices. Pitcher & Piano managing director Mike Dowell said: 'We are on the acquisition trail and details of new sites will be released as and when we are able to.
First arrest for door licence breach
The first arrest has been made of a door supervisor who was caught working without a Security Industry Authority licence. The 42-year-old man, who was arrested at a pub in Skegness, Lincolnshire, has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Another 18 people, who could not produce the correct paperwork, were issued with warning notices and summoned to appear in court at a later date. The searches were carried out as part of Lincolnshire Police's Operation Davit last Friday.
Well-known Norfolk inns are sold
Two high-profile pubs on Norfolk's 'golden coast have been sold. The 22-room Lodge Hotel at Old Hunstanton has been bought by Swallow Hotels after previous owners Tony and Carol Best retired. The 16th century Lifeboat Inn, formerly owned by Charles Coker, was bought by AJ Leisure Hotels.
Punch u-turns over Nelson name change
Punch Taverns came under fire from regulars after changing the name of its Lord Nelson pub in County Durham just before the 200th anniversary of Nelson's victory at Waterloo. Punch named the pub the Gainford in a planning bid for a £250,000 extension and revamp. But it backed down after pressure from customers.
Fresh applications for 24-hour opening
Two more venues have applied for 24-hour licences. They are the Velvet Lounge in Leicester and Molly Malones in Colchester, Essex. The Morning Advertiser was unable to speak to the licensees and it is unclear whether they intend to open throughout the night.