'Pub shares are packing a Punch'

Many investors turned to drink after sitting through another round of mind-numbing election campaign broadcasts. Shares of pubs group Punch Taverns have frothed up 10pc since news of chief executive Giles Thorley's surprise departure and were in demand again. After last orders were called, they closed 6.1p higher at 92p following a double upgrade by Panmure Gordon ahead of interim results on April 22 - Daily Mail​

Britons are a "nation of party animals" who spend £75 billion a year on having fun - two-and-a-half times more than 10 years ago, a report has said. Research from the Payments Council, called the Way We Pay 2010, showed almost a fifth of total spend (18%) is now on fun activities, which is equivalent to more than £30 a week for every adult. The biggest increase has been in restaurants, up more than threefold to £30 billion in 2009, but pub and wine bar spending has also rocketed to £23 billion from less than £10 billion 10 years ago - Press Association​

Cash is fast falling out of favour as a method of payment according to a report which predicts that banknotes and coins will be used for fewer than half of all transactions in five years' time. Even the sight of thirsty pub customers waving tenners at the bar is on the way out as part of the ongoing "payments revolution" characterised by the rise of internet banking and the replacement of cheque books and cash with plastic - predominantly debit cards - the report claims - The Guardian​

A student party organisation in Southampton has come under fire for promoting reckless boozing in the city. Entertainment organisers called Lets Get F****d - or LGF - Promotions have been accused of promoting "irresponsible" drinking in the city with their free drinks offers and claims to run the "best", the "biggest" and the "messiest" student nights in Southampton - The Southern Daily Echo​