The threat of violence from football hooligans will be greater in Britain than in South Africa during the World Cup this summer, police chiefs fear. Andy Holt, the officer in charge of policing England's World Cup travelling fans, said there were concerns that violence will flare amongst drunken fans watching televised games in pubs and clubs in England. The success of football banning orders - preventing 3,200 hooligans travelling abroad - has meant that the worst offenders will be in Britain. Mr Holt said: "If we have a hot June and England progress to the later stages, then pubs start running alcohol promotions and we have the potential for trouble from drunken fans." - The Telegraph
A steep rise this year in the number of businesses at risk of going bust has fuelled fears that Britain faces a tougher year than expected with more insolvencies and higher unemployment than predicted by the government. The number of companies experiencing significant or critical financial distress rose by 14% in the first three months of the year to top 160,000, according to insolvency experts Begbies Traynor - The Guardian
Millions of Britons have such an unhealthy lifestyle that the effect on their bodies is the same as adding 12 years to their age, research has found. A study has found that the combination of four unhealthy lifestyle factors; smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise and drinking too much increased the risk of dying by such a large degree that it was the equivalent to being 12 years older - The Telegraph
Health boards will be given £36million to help tackle Scotland's booze problem, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday. She said much of the cash would help fund preventative action aimed at stopping people binge-drinking before it seriously damages their health. Ms Sturgeon said: "It's vital we tackle Scotland's drinking culture - too many people are drinking too much, too often and although they may not realise it, it's having a detrimental effect on their health - The Sun
Family-owned brewing and hospitality company SA Brain & Co will reveal its latest end-of-year accounts in tomorrow's Western Mail business supplement. The figures will show that the business with headquarters in Cardiff delivered another £100m- plus turnover - Wales Online