InBrief

Licensing Act is a failure, say 54%

Just one in three licensees believe the Licensing Act has been a success. A poll on www.morningadvertiser.co.uk revealed that just 35% of people think the Act has been helpful to them. The majority - 54% - said the Act, which grants flexible opening hours, has been

a failure. Meanwhile, 11% said it was too early to judge its impact.

Police chief calls for alcohol action

A senior policeman has called for "rigorous action" on alcohol pricing and a total ban on alcohol advertising. Northumbria chief constable Mike Craik said Government should also consider banning convenience stores from selling alcohol. He said the focus on the Licensing Act "corrupts the debate on alcohol". Craik added: "The reality is that still more clearly needs to be done."

FSB survey shows damning results

Small firms have lost faith in the Government, according to a new survey of Federation of Small Business (FSB) members. In total 93% of firms - including pubs - said their confidence in the Government had fallen since last year's Budget. Just 7% said it increased or stayed static. FSB national chairman John Wright blamed "a series of damaging tax rises and increases in red tape". In total 2,657 firms were surveyed.

Japanese brewer visits Marston's

A renowned Japanese brewer has recreated his own beer at Marston's Brewery. A one-off brew Tokyo Black - made for Wetherspoon's (JDW) spring beer festival - was made by Toshi Ishii of Yo-Ho Brewery. "When JDW asked me to come to England and bring my ale to their festival,

I was quite interested," said Ishii. "When they told me

I would be making my beer in Burton with Marston's -

the makers of Pedigree -

I was really excited."

Wadworth floats special bottled ale

Wiltshire brewer Wadworth has brewed a special

beer to mark the 60th anniversary of the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. The bottled beer 60DW,

at 4.5% abv, was launched by local MP Michael Ancram. The race, which starts on 21 March, spans 125 miles. Wadworth employees Dave Walker and Glyn Merritt

are taking part in this

year's event.