InBrief

Passing-off rate falls dramatically

There has been a massive fall in the number of licensed premises substituting branded spirits with cheaper ones. The International Federation of Spirit Producers said the rate of "passing off" has fallen from 8% to 2% since 1999, with the cost of the crime falling from £43m to £10m. However, the group said it will continue to try to reduce the figure.

Red Stripe kicks off music awards

The search for the UK's

best live music act began this week in awards sponsored by Red Stripe. Across the country, hundreds of artists will perform in more than 50 different venues as part of the Red Stripe Music Awards. The event begins in January 2008, with the finals to be held in May. See www.redstripe.net

Sixth win for liar in fibbing contest

Compulsive liar John Graham fibbed his way to another win in the annual liars' competition sponsored by brewer Jennings Brothers. It was the sixth time he was named World's Biggest Liar in the contest at the Bridge Inn at Stanton Bridge, in Cumbria.

JDW to open new pub in Manchester

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is opening a new pub in Manchester following a £1.4m development project. The Castle in the Air, in the Chill Factory Complex, in Trafford Quays, is to open on 26 November. Forty jobs have been created with the opening of the pub, which is named after a nickname for the Barton Aqueduct.

Sensible-drinking packs for pubs

Information packs giving advice on sensible drinking are being distributed to pubs, clubs and off-licences throughout Hampshire and the Thames Valley. Each pack advises on the recommended number of daily alcohol units, the health impact of excessive drinking and the number of units in different drinks.

Licensees angry at police tactics

Preston licensees have slammed police orders to keep pubs closed before midday on 8 December, the day Preston North End play Blackpool. A police letter to pubs advised them not to open until midday, to employ doorstaff and not to allow Blackpool fans in. Preston LVA chairman Ronnie Fitzpatrick said: "Everyone is going to lose money."