Liverpudlians could be given the power to object to alcohol licensing applications on public health grounds. As the most sickly city in the UK, the Health is Wealth commission has proposed introducing community licensing forums as part of a 12-point plan to end Liverpool's reign at the top of the country's ill-health league - The Guardian
An Australian pub has got its knickers in a twist over a promotion where it offered free drinks to women who removed their underwear. The Saint in Melbourne, withdrew the 'No Undie Sundie' advertising campaign after it was branded sexist, and tasteless by the director of Liquor Licensing. The pub faces fines of over £5,500 ($AU13,000) if it goes ahead with the event on Sunday - The Times
Paul Gascoigne has tried to get into a closed pub at 9.44am in a tragic scene that shows just how low the soccer star's life has slumped. The 41-year-old desperately went in search of booze on the streets where he grew up and even tried his own keys in the door of the Metz Experience club in Gateshead - The Mirror
One of Blackpool's most iconic pubs is to get a £500,000 makeover. The new owners of Yates's Wine Lodge on Talbot Square will splash the cash on the 140-year-old building which they say will "kick-start" the regeneration of the area. Town & City has taken over the Yates' chain and has chosen Blackpool as its "flagship" development. - Blackpool Gazette
The governor of Bavaria has retracted the assertion he made on Tuesday, that some people could drive safely after drinking two litres of beer, or 4.2 pints. The remark, with Oktoberfest, Munich's annual celebration, beginning on Saturday, drew much criticism and derision. The governor, Günther Beckstein, said that he had made a "rather unsuccessful contribution" to public debate. He corrected himself by saying, "Anyone who drives is better off drinking nothing at all." - New York Times