NewsDigest

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has cleared the merger of beer-flow monitor companies Brulines and Nucleus Data. Brulines chief executive James Dickson said: "We are pleased that, following their review of the facts and consultation with our customers, the OFT has decided not to refer our merger with Nucleus to the Competition Commission. This validates our long-held belief that the combined group will be even better placed to help our customers in the licensed on-trade to deliver improved quality, a better customer experience and increased operational productivity."

Brewer and pub operator Marston's has increased its securitised debt by £330m following the issue of bonds against a further package of 437 leased pubs. The company will retain £400m of its existing bank facilities. Only about £150m will be drawn against these facilities, providing Marston's with "significant financial and operational flexibility".

The Bar Entertainment & Dance Association (Beda) has attacked a bioethics group for not consulting the trade before making proposals that would hit pubs and drinks producers. Nuffield Council on Bioethics calls for higher drink prices and restricted opening. Beda boss Paul Smith said: "It serves no useful purpose that I can see to foster such a confrontational approach without any prior attempt to engage with the licensed trade."

A West Yorkshire licensee has rebranded his bar and will offer special deals to beat cheap supermarket booze. Andy Longman has rebranded Suburban Style Bar in Otley as Drinker's Delight. It will offer discounts on some drinks but has vowed not to drop service levels. Longman said: "We feel we have to come out fighting now."

Find out where has been voted the UK's top gastropub in the December issue of PubChef, out in next week's issue of the Morning Advertiser.

Also find out how to make money from accommodation at your pub.