Mail strike... New hours... Punch hits right note...

The trade breathed a sign of relief as the start of the new licensing era passed off quietly. Police forces reported that it was business as usual, and the Daily Mail's predictions of chaos were proven to be unfounded. In fact, the pub trade's favourite national newspaper was blasted from all corners. Firstly, Daily Mail journalist Matthew Hickley was accused of distorting the truth when he appeared at the Morning Advertiser's Responsible Drinks Retailing conference. And Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin dubbed the tabloid 'pathetic' after it sent an undercover reporter to a JDW pub to find evidence of bad practice.

Elsewhere, the MA revealed that around one-third of all pubs with 24-hour licences were located in just two rural councils with a combined population of less than 200,000. This poured yet more cold water on the idea that high streets will be awash with 24-hour boozers - are you listening, Daily Mail?

It wasn't all plain sailing, though. Oldham council was slated by Punch Taverns for being 'over zealous' for closing five of the pubco's pubs on the first day of the Licensing Act.

Norwich licensee Matthew Harris deserves a mention for sticking to his promise and staying open for 64 hours to celebrate the start of the new era.

Punch boss Giles Thorley pulled off two amazing coups this month. Before the pubco's amazing swoop on the Spirit Group, Thorley confronted the equally daunting task of orchestrating the recording of a CD featuring the vocal talents of 500 Punch staff. The group, which included customer services director Francis Patton, laid down a version of Happy Days for the 10-track CD. It was all part of a 'team building exercise', which obviously worked as the Punch team subsequently swelled after the Spirit deal.

Talking of Punch, boxing legend Mike Tyson was warmly received when he popped into a Doncaster pub for a drink. Licensee Wes Fox got to know Tyson personally after watching him fight around the world. And what's Tyson's tipple of choice? Ginger ale, obviously.