NewsDigest

Details of the licence-fee review are expected to be revealed later this week, with a favourable outcome for the trade anticipated. The MA understands the panel, led by Sir Les Elton, will make recommendations by the end of the week. Industry figures believe the report will contain good news. For more details visit www.morningadvertiser.co.uk.

A Tesco store in Worthing, West Sussex had its licence suspended for 28 days after being caught selling alcohol to under-18s. Two other Tesco stores, in Dowland Drive and Dobbins Place, Crawley, were also caught in test-purchasing operations using 15-year-old children. Crawley Borough Council has adjourned the licence reviews until February. Tesco said it takes the issue of underage drinking very seriously and retrains staff who fail police tests.

Newcastle-based late-night operator Ultimate Leisure could raise a warchest of £75m for acquisitions. It

is to raise £25m via a conditional

issue of shares to its two largest investors Reuben Brothers and the Dawnay Day Group. Management believes its bank is likely to match that two to one.

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A new petition is calling for the Prime Minister to reverse the smoking ban to save pubs. Claiming the ban will have a "devastating effect on bars, especially country pubs", it suggests the Irish smoking ban led to 1,000 pubs closures and the loss of 6,000 jobs. The petition has 39 signatures and the signature deadline is 10 July. View it at www.petitions.pm.gov.uk/Smokingchoice/

Adults who buy alcohol on behalf of under-age drinkers could face court action, under a scheme launched by Gateshead Borough Council and Crimestoppers. Anyone who sees an adult buying alcohol from an off-licence on behalf of a person aged under 18 will be able to report it confidentially via the free Crimestoppers telephone line. The crime can incur a fine of up to £5,000.