InBrief
Harden's lists 150 gastropubs
The new Harden's London Restaurants guide features over 150 gastropubs. The guide's co-editor Richard Harden said 2007 has been a record year for openings, with 158 new pubs and restaurants opening in the past 12 months. "This is a golden age for the London restaurant-goer," he said. However, Harden said "the whole concept of pub food is very vague nowadays".
Carlisle pub's licence revoked
The licence of a Carlisle pub has been revoked following complaints about disturbances. This followed reports of assaults, drug sales and underage drinking at the Longtown's Globe Tavern. A council spokesman said: "Despite verbal and written warnings, noise from music and customers using the pub's garden continues to disturb householders."
No swearing outside pubs
Pubs in parts of Wales have been warned their licences are under threat if they can't stop smokers using bad language outside. A report by the Safer Neath Port Talbot Business Crime Reduction Partnership says bad language and antisocial behaviour is the responsibility of pubs. Neath Port Talbot Council said some complaints had been dealt with informally.
Smoking reduced since ban started
Half of people say they are smoking less since the English smoking ban began on 1 July, a new survey shows. About one third of the 1,000 people polled by Ciao Surveys said they now smoked less when they go to bars. More than one in 10 said they smoked less overall. However, fewer than one in 50 said they had quit.
Operator offers free kids' meals
Yorkshire operator Suburban Style Bistro is offering free children's meals to promote its healthy dishes. To qualify, adults must choose from one of the bistro's £15 two-course menus before 7pm. The firm recently hosted a seminar teaching local children healthy eating.
Karaoke organiser fined for smoking
A pub karaoke organiser has been fined for lighting up in a Somerset pub. Chris Elliot, who was fined £50, had said he would be willing to go to jail rather than stop smoking in his working van. The 30-year-old recently organised an anti-smoke ban protest march through Glastonbury.
