'Scots drink equivalent to 46 bottles of vodka a year'

Scots drink 25 per cent more alcohol than people living in England and Wales and the booze gap is widening, according to new research. The findings add to the pressure on Labour MSPs to support the SNP Government's plans for the minimum pricing of alcohol in shops and supermarkets. Average sales per adult last year amounted to 12.2 litres of pure alcohol - the equivalent of 46 bottles of vodka, 537 pints of beer or 130 bottles of wine, and more than the recommended weekly limit for men every single week. - The Herald​

Research in Scotland has found that sales of alcohol from supermarkets and off-licences is more than double that from pubs, clubs and restaurants for the first time. This backs up claims by police chiefs who have warned that anti-social drinking is now more prevalent in the home rather than in pubs. - The Scotsman​

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat shadow Treasury spokesman, has waded into the furore surrounding Mitchells & Butlers by suggesting the Takeover Panel had insufficient powers to investigate concert party claims at the embattled pub group. In an unusual move, Cable has written to Lord Turner, the chairman of the Financial Services Authority, suggesting he examine the issue. The MP will also sign up to an Early Day Motion filed tomorrow at the House of Commons in which he will express concern that Joe Lewis and other minority shareholders are allegedly seeking to gain control of M&B. - The Telegraph​

Deadbeat dads who spend all day at the pub instead of looking for work will face a tough crackdown if David Cameron becomes Prime Minister. The Tory leader says that teenagers will also get compulsory lessons on how to say 'no' to sex and there will be measures to reduce violence against women. The pledges - the latest phase of his campaign to mend 'Broken Britain' - aim to tackle the 'dark side' of family breakdown, lawlessness, violence and classroom chaos. - Daily Mail​

Spain's reputation as one of the last smokers' paradises in Western Europe is set to be stubbed out by June after the government revealed plans for fast-track legislation to ban lighting up in all public places. Opposition to the move is greatest in Spain's hotel, restaurant and bar trades. Tourism is one of Spain's main economic motors, and the world recession has already had an important knock-on effect: banning smoking, it is feared, would only increase the damage. A straw poll by the Independent on Sunday of Spanish pub and bar landlords revealed nine out of 10 were ferociously opposed to the ban. - Independent on Sunday​