NewsDigest

Pub operator Young's is to de-list Stella Artois and replace it with "genuinely imported lagers". This includes Heineken, Amstel and Pilsner Urquell. Young's said it was part of a move to offer its managed and tenanted pubs a broader range of premium brands. An InBev spokesman said: "I think Young's are trying to generate some publicity for themselves on the back of commercial negotiations that didn't go their way. Millions of consumers would disagree with their view of the brand."

Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse has sold its freetrade business to Marston's. Hall & Woodhouse said the business had become squeezed between international brewers and micros benefiting from tax breaks under progressive beer duty. The freetrade sales and support teams will transfer to Marston's and the process will be completed by 1 February.

JD Wetherspoon has announced a 3.2% drop in like-for-like sales for the 11 weeks to 13 January. JDW said premium lager and spirits sales were down, but real ale, coffee and food sales increased. In the year to date, like-for-like sales fell 2% and overall company sales increased 0.4%. JDW has opened 10 pubs so far this trading year and plans another 25 by the end - slightly fewer than originally expected.

Binge-drinking rates continue to fall, according to data from the Office of National Statistics. The number of men drinking more than 21 units a week dropped from 29% to 21% between 2000 and 2006. And 12% of women are drinking 14 units or more a week (down 5% on 2000). "The evidence suggests that the sensible drinking message is getting through to people," said Portman Group boss David Poley.

Smoke-ban rebel Tony Blows is to reappear at magistrates on 13 February to enter his defence. Blows, of the Dog Inn, Ewyas Harold, Hertfordshire, is accused of smoking himself and allowing others to, and failing in his duty to stop customers smoking in the pub. Blows pleaded not guilty in October. The prosecution put its case to magistrates this week.