NewsDigest

The Licensed Trade Charity would like to clarify that the report in the Morning Advertiser on 8 February regarding the LTC Trust being wound up after 26 years does not in any way relate to the Licensed Trade Charity.

The Licensed Trade Charities Trust, to which the article refers, is a completely separate body that has given financial support to the Licensed Trade Charity over the years. The Trust helped particularly in the process of merging two charities, the SLV and the LVNH, which had been in existence for 200 years.

The Licensed Trade Charity is still going strong and assists an increasing number of people who have worked or who are still working in the licensed drinks industry (whether members or not). Through the generous support of organisations and individuals within the industry, the charity will continue to support people and their families within the trade. The anticipated spend on support in 2007 is £1m.

Mitchells & Butlers chief executive Tim Clarke, Scottish & Newcastle UK managing director John Dunsmore and Diageo managing director Benet Slay have been named as three of the Drinkaware Trust's 10 trustees. Drinkaware aims to help change the national drinking culture.

Licensees in Wales have called a summit meeting with council officials to clarify what type of shelters will be acceptable under the Welsh smoking ban. Representatives from 25 Licensed Victuallers Associations have been invited to attend the summit on 6 March in Rhondda.

Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) are warning landlords over a fake batch of Kirov vodka that could cause serious illness. A woman in Bolton, Lancs, complained to TSOs after suffering stomach pains from a bottle she bought privately. Tests are now being conducted on the vodka.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers is to publish a series of smoking-ban advice and guidance notes in the lead-up to 1 July. E-zines will offer top planning tips, while newsletters provide in-depth features.