NewsDigest

Scottish & Newcastle could achieve synergies of £100m by taking full control of Baltic Beverage Holdings (BBH) from Carlsberg, the brewer says. S&N hopes to take full control from its joint partner Carlsberg via arbitration. S&N claims Carlsberg breached its agreement in BBH when it made its joint bid with Heineken to take over the British brewer. Carlsberg and Heineken have until 21 January to make an improved offer. Arbitration could be resolved by 3 July.

Premium Bars and Restaurants, formerly Ultimate Leisure, has announced a 103% increase in December sales compared to last year. Its Living Room brand smashed previous records by reaching average weekly sales per site of £83,000

in the three weeks to 23 December 2007. Overall sales were boosted by strong performance from recent acquisitions such as the Prohibition Bar & Grill in the City of London.

York Brewery has opened its first pub outside York. Mr Foley's Cask Ale House began trading six weeks ago

at the former Pearl Assurance building on the Headrow, Leeds.

The pub, previously owned by Okells, now boasts 10 handpumps serving regional brews and guest ales. Managing director Tony Thompson said: "This is a superb venue."

Shepherd Neame has been recognised for its commitment to protecting the heritage of its products abroad. It was crowned EU Protected Food Name Exporter of the Year at the Food from Britain Export Awards. Sheps exports Spitfire to Germany, France, Hong Kong, Russia and Italy.

A 14 year-old boy was able to buy cigarettes in 11 out of 14 pubs targeted in a sting operation in Milton Keynes. The venues now face the prospect of being fined £2,500. The trading standards campaign was run to test adherence to the new age limit of 18 for buying tobacco. "We will be

making further investigations and contacting the businesses concerned," said senior trading standards officer Allan Martin.