What the Sunday papers said

The government appeared to be watering down its proposals to allow pubs and clubs to open around the clock. Following a major Cabinet revolt the Mail On Sunday has learned the government is to give more power to town hall chiefs to restrict licenses. Opposition to many applications by pubs all over the country to extend their opening hours has been fierce, and the new guidance is a major blow to the minister responsible for drinking legislation, James Purnell. - Mail On Sunday​

A United Nations' survey has concluded that Scotland is the developed world's most violent country, with England and Wales coming second, leading to speculation that the UK's drinking culture was to blame. Meanwhile ministers were believed to be on the verge of announcing a three month review of the 24-hour drinking reforms in England and Wales. - Sunday Express​

A blanket ban on smoking in all pubs is increasingly likely following claims that there has been a strong shift in public opinion. Most informed people supported a comprehensive ban, said anti-smoking charity ASH. A YouGov poll for ASH found 41 per cent of people wanted pubs to be smoke free, while 39 per cent favoured restrictions. Pro-smoking group FOREST dismissed the findings, saying 70 per cent of people were actually against a complete ban. - Observer​

The Premier League is ready to sue the European Commission over the latter's threatened ban on BSkyB showing more than half the League's financially vital matches. League chiefs will claim the EC has exceeded its powers and is seeking to manipulate the UK TV rights market. The Premiership's 20 clubs believe they stand a good chance of winning any legal action. - Observer​

Alchemy Partners, the private equity group, has emerged as the mystery bidder behind a plan to take over vodka bar outfit Inventive Leisure, which emerged two weeks ago. Rivals such as Ultimate Leisure and Regent Inns are expected to enter the race for Inventive, as are other privaate equity houses. Alchemy is also believed to be on the verge of signing a deal worth £177m to buy Spirit Group's high street bar business. - Sunday Times​

The price of diesel could rise to £1 per litre by November, said the Petrol Retailer's Association. The shortage of refineries in the US, a situation made worse by Hurriane Katrina, was to blame, with supplies of petrol cut and prices in Europe being driven upwards. The PRA has called for duty to be in line with prices in order to smooth out prices hikes like those seen recently. - Independent On Sunday​

Tesco could amass a 45 per cent share of the grocery market within five years. It currently has 30.5 per cent. Watchdogs are worried that Tesco's land bank means it could open 185 new supermarkets in that time, with 30 of these due to have opened by the beginning of next year. Tesco said the figures are misleading and that the group only controlled 13.5 per cent of the total retailing market in the UK. - Sunday Times​