NewsDigest

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says it has held "constructive" talks with Chancellor Alistair Darling over plans to abolish taper relief on capital gains tax. Plans to scrap the system were slammed by property agents as "disastrous" for hosts wishing to sell. FSB national chairman John Wright, who met Darling this week, said: "It was a constructive meeting and we hope that there is scope for a compromise."

l CGT protest grows - p47

A six-week ale festival is taking place at Ember Inns pubs to encourage punters to sample beers from across the country. During the first five weeks, customers will get to sample ales from around Britain. A choice of ales from the local region will be offered in week six. Matthew Deane, marketing manager for Mitchells & Butlers-owned Ember Inns, said: "As a Cask Marque-accredited pub group, the festival is all about celebrating each region's finest ales."

The Palm Tree in Haverfield Road, E3, and the King's Arms in Roupell Street, SE1, have been named the capital's top pubs at the Fancyapint.com London Pub Awards 2007. The Palm Tree won the reviewers' award, while the King's Arms was named overall winner in the visitors' awards. The awards were supported by S&NPE.

A Chinese group claims to have invented a legal cigarette that can be smoked in pubs despite the smoking ban. Golden Drago Group has produced an "e-cig" that is being trialled in London's Chinawhite. The plastic stick creates battery-powered smoke puffs. It glows red with every puff and a nicotine cartridge can be added. Starter packs sell for £50.

The Gun in Chiddingly, East Sussex, has been announced as the winner of the Calor Rural Pub in the Community award. The award aims to celebrate pubs that have diversified their businesses to offer residents in their local area a wider range of services. The Mare & Foal in Yeoford, Devon, and the Talbot in Knightwick, Worcester, were highly commended.