NewsDigest

Britvic is consulting with its staff about out-sourcing its retail

distribution network to KN Drinks Logistics, and its vending and chiller

re-manufacturing operations to Apollo Vending Services. The plan would see 450 Britvic employees transfer to KN Drinks Logistics and Apollo Vending Services in the next financial year. Britvic has also exchanged contracts for the disposal and short-term leaseback of its Staffordshire depot in Tamworth, the only freehold site within the secondary retail distribution network, for £9m.

Budweiser Budvar has won the latest round in its trademark battle with Anheuser-Busch (A-B). The European Community Trademark Office rejected A-B's application for registration of the American brewery's Budweiser trademark in all EU countries. The dispute marks its 100th anniversary in June. The two sides have been involved in 86 disputes over the past six years with Budvar winning 69, AB 12 with five draws. There are 17 disputes waiting to be resolved.

Ultimate Leisure, the Newcastle-based bar and nightclub operator led by Mark Jones, has invested £250,000 in consolidating three Whitley Bay venues into two new spaces. Jimmyz Bar, Time Bar and Deep nightclub were three different concept venues sharing the same site on the resort's promenade. Time Bar has now made way for an enlarged Jimmyz. The bar has also added cocktails to its menu and no longer charges for entry.

Marston's is launching a series of promotions for the up-coming cricket season. Among the new ideas is a competition where cricket fans will choose an English dream-team from current and past players. The person who agrees with Marston's panel of cricket experts will win tickets to the Brit Oval to watch the last test match of the summer against India.

The BII has asked the MA to point out that the Security Industry Authority supports the BIIAB Physical Intervention Guide but has not endorsed it, as reported last week.