'Eurocrats warn minimum pricing could be illegal'

"Eurocrats have warned Scottish National Party plans to ban cut-price booze could be illegal. The European Commission says if a minimum price makes...

"Eurocrats have warned Scottish National Party plans to ban cut-price booze could be illegal. The European Commission says if a minimum price makes imported drink dearer than home-produced alcohol, it could break trade laws. The Tories claim a blanket minimum price of 40p or 50p per unit will drive up prices on a range of imported products. Famous brands including Bacardi, Jacob's Creek and Blossom Hill would be hit, with Bacardi's price rising by a third, according to Conservatives. The Government insists the Tory claims are misleading. A spokesman said: 'The key is to ensure our proposals are proportionate in reducing health problems caused by alcohol.'"- Glasgow Sunday Mail

"Comic Eric Morecambe is to get a new memorial - a seafront pub and leisure complex. An old pub opposite his seafront statue in his home town of Morecambe, Lancs, will be converted into a themed bar and visitors centre where fans can enjoy a pint and watch Eric's classic TV shows. Its creators, Lancaster pub chain Mitchells, hope to have the Eric Morecambe open by next Easter." - Sunday Mirror

"Mark Derry is to step down as managing director of Loch Fyne restaurants at the end of the month. Derry, with business partner Ian Glyn, founded the 49-strong restaurant chain in 1997 from Loch Fyne Oysters, the fresh fish business on the banks of Scotland's biggest sea loch. In August 2007, the pair sold it to the brewer and pub operator Greene King for £68 million. Current head of operations Richard Morris, who will become director and general manager of the restaurant chain, will replace Derry, as Loch Fyne moves under Greene King's Destinations division, headed by Jonathan Webster." - Scotsman