The gaming industry has been given a boost by the government which has relaxed regulations by allowing gamblers to bet more and win bigger prizes in slot machines in pubs, clubs and amusement arcades. Prizes are set to double from £35 to £70 and the maximum stake will rise from 50p to £1, the second rise in two years, under the plan authorised by culture secretary Andy Burnham - The Times
Health campaigners have condemned the introduction of the 99p pint by JD Wetherspoon, which has cut the price of Greene King IPA ale and San Miguel to levels not seen since 1989. Alcohol Concern said the move could result in more binge drinking - BBC
Police have warned JD Wetherspoon that it will crack down on the chain if the introduction of the 99p pint leads to street violence. Inspector Andy Kundert from the Sussex licensing team said; "If any individual company or licensed premises is shown to have a drinks promotion that leads to increased public place violence or nuisance the licensing team will deal with it in an appropriate and robust manner." - The Argus
Coors Brewers are hoping to boost sales by encouraging more women to drink beer. The company, which owns Carling, has set up Project Eve, a team of five women, to look at ways of tapping into the market. In the UK, women account for 14% of the company's beer sales compared to 25% in North America - The Times
Local pubs are battling the threat of closure by introducing seemingly impossible bargains such as the £1 lunch. Tony Rabbitts, owner of the Four Crosses Inn in Staffordshire, claims that he was the first to begin the trend. The offer is now available in the pub seven days a week - The Guardian
Punch Taverns has begun the sale of 500 of its leased pubs yesterday by giving existing licensees the option of first refusal on properties. Shares have risen from 0.9 % to 58.5% - The Times