NewsDigest

Barracuda Group has reported a 36% growth in food sales. The group, whose brands include Varsity and Smith & Jones, also reported a 19% rise in turnover to £127.1m for the year to 30 September 2006. It opened 33 new units and branch EBITDA rose 16% to £33m for the year. "The business continues to drive forward," said chief executive Mark McQuater.

Two Marston's Pub Company licensees have come up trumps in an award that recognises Britain's top pub chefs.

Jeff Thomas of the Forresters in Yoxall won the Merit Award, and Matthew Shropshall at the Royal Oak won Bronze, in the Gastro Pub main course category at the British Cookery Championship at the National Exhibition Centre.

There were only eight complaints about irresponsible drinks marketing last year - exactly the same number as last year. The Portman Group's Annual Code Report revealed that just two products were found to be in breach of the code. Portman said 210 enquiries had made it the busiest year for companies seeking free confidential marketing advice since the Code was introduced in 1996.

A Wetherspoon pub in the City of London has won a special award for helping in the fight against crime. The Green Man has been awarded a "Safety Thirst" award for its work in combating drug abuse, bag theft and other crimes. The award, made by the City of London Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, is aimed at encouraging pubs to work closely with the police.

Almost 53% of licensed retail staff have endured verbal or physical abuse when refusing service to those they suspected of being under 18. The survey of 1,000 workers, conducted by training body Confederation of Professional Licensees, also revealed that 87% had undertaken training. "If training doesn't include conflict management and how to refuse sales, then it leaves staff in a very vulnerable position," warned CPL chairman

Paul Chase.