A round with The Publican

What made the news in The Publican this week 10 years ago, five years ago and last year.​

1996​

• Magistrates who refuse would-be publicans for failing to have a National Licensee's Certificate could be acting beyond their powers, according to claims from a leading solicitor
• United Breweries unveils plans for a £19.75m takeover of London-based pub operator Marr Taverns
• Scottish Courage ends its controversial "Beer of the South" poster campaign for Courage Best, which featured slogans such as "Heads are thicker up North".

2001​

• The trade takes its fight for a cut in beer duty to Europe as pressure mounts on Chancellor Gordon Brown to tackle the issue in his forthcoming Budget
• Pubs could end up paying up to £400 more every year for their gas and electricity supply when then the new Climate Change Levy comes into force on April 1
• The Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association mounts a high-profile campaign to make sure MPs discussing the Criminal Justice and Police Bill are aware of the trade's opinion.

2005​

• Seven days into the transition to a new licensing regime, The Publican is flooded with calls from worried licensees claiming local authorities are not prepared for the change
• The Department of Trade & Industry agrees to look into Dorset broker GatewayFinance.co.uk following The Publican's exposé about licensees being left out of pocket
• Trade leaders are warning that the hospitality industry could be faced with a deficit of 10,000 workers due to the Home Secretary's tough new stance on immigration.