'Road safety group demands cut in blood alcohol limit'

"The Road Safety Authority (RSA) unveiled plans last week to cut road accidents involving young motorists by banning learners from the roads at night, imposing strict alcohol limits, restricting engine size, and making it compulsory to take 20 hours' lessons. If this was approved by the Department of Transport, learner drivers' blood alcohol limits would fall from 80mg per 100ml to 20mg, an amount that allows only for the small concentrations of alcohol found in everyday products such as mouthwash." - Sunday Times​

"Controversial pubs group JD Wetherspoon, which has angered Scottish licensees with its cut-price promotions, is poised to join the growing list of drinks companies to warn of potential dividend cuts this year. The warning could come on Tuesday when chairman Tim Martin is due to update investors on the results of his group's latest sales drive, including beer at 99p a pint, which has been described as 'irresponsible' and 'ill-considered' by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association." - Sunday Herald​

"JD Wetherspoon shareholders will be hoping that this week's Christmas trading statement will show it has defied the slump once more. Earlier this month, the firm announced that it would slash the price of some brands of beer to 99p a pint, igniting a price war as rivals ploughed in with discounts. One worry is a debt repayment of $150m (£102m) that falls due in September that could affect the company's ability to pay a dividend in 2009, although a final decision is still a way off." - Observer​

"The Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA) released figures last week showing one in five places that could apply for a new premises licence to serve alcohol under new laws hasn't yet. This equates to potentially 2500 venues ranging from pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants that won't be able to serve alcohol from September 1, when the legislation comes into effect." - Sunday Herald​

"While posh bistros' profits have been eaten away, one pub is pulling in diners by charging just £2.55 for a two-course lunch plus half a bottle of wine. Hundreds of hungry customers are taking advantage of the bargain meal deal. For just £5.10, two diners at the Victoria Bar in Govanhill, Glasgow, can choose from three starters, four mains and a bottle of red or white wine to share." - Glasgow Sunday Mail​