'Wetherspoons defends 99p pint promotion'

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has denied claims it is irresponsible after it revealed it is selling a pint for under a quid. Health campaigners criticised the two-week promotional offer as an encouragement to binge drink. But JD Wetherspoon rejected the claims. "It's about responsible retailing," spokesman Eddie Gershon told Sky News Online. "What is irresponsible is running a pub badly. "Wetherspoon's has always been very up front with its customers. It's down to responsible management and drinking in a responsible environment " - Sky News ​

A Scottish church has been criticised by alcohol awareness groups for selling festive booze to raise funds for spire repairs. St Matthew's Church in Perth has joined forces with Inveralmond Brewery to market St Matthew's Ale as a fundraiser. The kirk has been cashing in for every keg sold over the holiday period. But opponents claim the drive is "irresponsible and ill-conceived", and they suggested that the church reconsider - Scotsman ​

Britain is braced for the prospect of running short of gas as the country is gripped by one of the coldest winters for a century. For the second time ever, the National Grid yesterday issued a warning to energy providers that demand for gas is threatening to outstrip supply - Daily Telegraph ​

The New Year brought new hope for the economy with figures yesterday showing manufacturing, mortgages and shares are on the up - Mirror ​

Britain was warned today it is facing one of the coldest winters in 100 years as the Arctic blast brought more chaos to airports, roads, railways and schools - Daily Mail ​