NewsDigest

A huge crackdown on Scottish pubs using foreign satellites to screen English and Scottish Premier League games has begun. Authorities plan to visit 2,000 venues by May 2008. The crackdown has already exposed 180 venues, but authorities believe 40% of Scottish outlets use foreign systems. The English Premier League and Scottish Premier League have been in talks with the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and a hotline has been set up for hosts to report screenings on 0141 333 967.

Punch has launched a fund to support community schemes. The Punch Community Spirit Project plans to make donations to groups such as charities, schools, sports clubs and hospitals. A total of £85,000 has been earmarked initially and groups wishing to receive funding can apply for up to £5,000. A gymnastics club in Punch's home town of Burton-upon-Trent has already received £500.

Barracuda Group has expanded its operations team as part of a reshuffle of senior management. Three heads of operations will report to ops director Graham Jones. Paul Cutsforth is head of operations north, Richard Stringer is head of operations south and Ann Mills is head of operations brands. Group marketing manager Myles Doran becomes head of marketing.

Laurel Pub Company is holding real ale festivals in 30 pubs nationally between 18 October and 5 November. Beers from local breweries, including the Enville Brewery in the West Midlands, will sit alongside the likes of Shepherd Neame's Spitfire and Wychwood's Hobgoblin. The "extensive" range of ales, including a core of 14, will be changed regularly.

The Shepherd Neame brewery in Kent has been named one of the best tourist attractions in the south-east. It was runner up in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the Tourism Excellence Awards. Shepherd Neame received the award from TV presenter Jenny Powell at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Wentworth Club in Surrey.