InBrief
Lower alcohol wines on the up
Lower alcohol wines are becoming more fashionable, according to a new study from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association. Over one in three women (35%) and one in four men (27%) believe that lower alcohol wines are becoming more fashionable. In total 59% of regular wine drinkers claim to read the alcohol content before purchasing a bottle. Consumers also link higher alcohol levels with better quality and value for money.
Gloucester gets new website
Gloucester Pubwatch has launched a website that allows members to view pictures of banned people. "For the first time, staff at every pubwatch pub in the area will be able to see the face of everyone who has been banned," said pubwatch chairman Keith Reynolds. "This will enable them to ensure bans are enforced more effectively than ever before and so keep crime and disorder out of their public houses."
More smoking bans for the EU?
The European Union's health chief wants to see the whole continent follow Britain's example on smoking bans. Markos Kyprianou, the EU commissioner for health, on a recent visit to the north-west, said that the ban was "extremely important" and a "basic priority" for his department. "I encourage all states to proceed with similar bans," he said.
MPs invited to Last Drag event
Prime Minister in waiting Gordon Brown and Labour Party chairman Hazel Blears have been sent personal invitations to a fundraiser for Smoke Free Manchester. The Manchester Pub and Club Network has invited the pair to its Last Drag event. If they choose to take up the invitation they will be joined by licensees from across Manchester, city council officials and police at an open-air roof-top garden to show their support for a new smoke-free city.
New digital
jukebox launched
Inspired Gaming Group has launched a new digital jukebox. The new system, called THE Music, includes a new feature that allows customers to look up and play the song that was at number one on any given date. The jukebox contains every single number one hit since 1952. The most popular tracks played on each jukebox will also be saved and charted to highlight musical trends.
