Drinkers face a "double whammy" of tax rises in the forthcoming emergency budget which will see the cost of beer, wine and spirits increasing sharply for the second time in three months. The Treasury is considering repeating the 5 per cent increase in alcohol duty imposed in the March Budget as part of a tax-raising package to be unveiled by George Osborne, the Chancellor, next week. The emergency budget is also likely to see VAT increased from its current level of 17.5 per cent as ministers battle with Britain's huge £156bn deficit. A VAT hike - possibly up to 20 per cent - would also hit drinkers in the pocket. - Daily Telegraph
Up to 20m people watched last night's match or its highlights on television in Britain. Most were in their homes or at friends' houses, rather than in the pub or watching on giant outdoor screens, a tactical switch since the 2006 World Cup. Pubs blamed the cheap price of supermarket beer — equivalent to as little as 53p a pint. Erik Castenskiold, of Mitchells and Butlers, which runs Britain's biggest chain of managed pubs, said: "There will be fewer people watching the World Cup in pubs than four years ago." - Sunday Times
Footie-mad Brits splashed out £500m in a last-minute World Cup spending spree yesterday. Millions hit the high street to stock up on everything from burgers to flat-screen TVs. Supermarkets and pubs said it was their busiest day since Christmas. Around four million fans headed to pubs to see the game - putting £35m behind the bar. The British Beer and Pub Association said: "It can only build up from here." - Sunday Mirror
Thousands of football fans missed England's only goal against the USA after the ITV HD channel screened an advert three minutes into the match. Many watching in pubs or at home were surprised to discover England were 1-0 up because the commercial, for car marker Hyundai, was screened in error while the goal was being scored. - Sunday Telegraph
A member of staff at one of Britain's top restaurants has been arrested after two chefs alleged they were assaulted while working in the kitchen. One chef was allegedly held aloft by his legs and having his head dunked in a vat of lukewarm broccoli and Stilton soup which was later served to guests at the Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire, a Michelin-starred pub. The pub's co-owner Jacqui Pern said: "We are dealing with the matter in accordance with our employment procedures." - Mail on Sunday
The most popular chain of English pubs in Japan is about to celebrate the opening of its 52nd outlet - one for every week of the year, according to its chairman. Despite the recession, new outlets of The Hub have been opening at a steady rate across the country, with the newest addition due to open its doors in the Yoyogi district of Tokyo on June 20. - Independent