NewsDigest

Marston's is investing £1m in opening three new Que Pasa venues, taking its total to 20. A venue in Doncaster, South Yorks, opened earlier this month, with Bedford on 24 August and Watford, Herts, on 1 October. The Mediterranean-style bars offer tapas, fresh cocktails and salsa dancing. "These latest openings are critical to our overall expansion plans," said brand manager Paul Wright.

A Scottish villager who had been feuding with the licensee of his local pub secretly bought the bar - then shut it down. According to the Sunday Mail, Alexander Gordon had complained about noise from the Bilston Inn, in Midlothian, for 12 years. He reportedly made his move when former landlord Ronald Ferrier put the pub up for sale. He bought it with the help of a frontman and closed it. The pub is situated next to Gordon's house and agricultural antiques business.

Sales of cigarettes have dropped by almost 7% since the smoking ban came into force, new figures have revealed. According to consumer group AC Nielsen, a little more than 3 billion cigarettes were sold in Britain last month - 6.9% down on July last year. Health campaigners say the data shows the positive effect of the ban.

The Home Office has rubbished claims that the Licensing Act has led to a rise in violent crime across the country. Devon and Cornwall police figures claim there were 67 violent crimes at licensed premises in the 12 months following November 2005, compared to 43 in the previous year. The Home Office said this pattern had not been repeated around the country and it was hard to attribute violent crimes solely to the Licensing Act.

Don't miss September's PubChef. This month's packed issue includes a feature on Christmas ideas, a look at Orchid pub company on its first birthday, and Mediterranean food concepts - as well as the usual business tips and innovations.