The prime minister has given his support to moves to ban cheap booze in Greater Manchester. David Cameron said he was 'very supportive' of plans being explored by the region's 10 council chiefs to create a by-law that would make it illegal for pubs and shops to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit within their boundaries. Mr Cameron said: "I think the idea of the councils coming together on this is a good one and we will certainly look at it very sympathetically." The prime minister said his government - which would have to approve any by-law - would have to 'look at the details'. And, while he said he did not agree with a national tax to bring alcohol prices up to a minimum level, he said: "I think if what you're trying to do is stop supermarkets from selling 20 tins of Stella for a fiver that's what we've got to go after' - Manchester Evening News
Cafes and shops in Edinburgh city centre would be encouraged to stay open later under new plans to create a continental culture and help tackle drink-fuelled antisocial behaviour. A new report by consultants commissioned by the city council has found that more could be done to take advantage of the night-time economy and address the perception that the pub is the only place to go. SQW Consulting found that companies that operate in the night-time economy employ more than one in every 10 workers and generate £1.5 billion a year of spending - The Scotsman
People who buy alcohol for underage drinkers could find themselves fined, prosecuted and even banned from their local shops and pubs. Significant work from partner agencies, combined with commitment and effort from the management and staff at licensed premises and shops, has led to a sharp decrease in the number of sales made directly to the underage. But agencies are still experiencing problems with those who are over the age of 18 who buy alcohol and then hand it over to the underage - Wales Online
Officials in Dubai have introduced a two hour alcohol ban for British bars and pubs in an effort to stop expatriate drunkenness. The ban, which was first introduced at one British pub, now applies to all sports and British bars in the busy Al Barsha area of Dubai between 4pm and 6pm. The rule is yet another example of the culture clash between the lifestyle of many expats and Dubai's strict Islamic laws - Daily Telegraph
We normally think of people poring over bundles of papers in stuffy rooms in anonymous buildings, when we think of council meetings. However, one council is mulling over holding meetings in pubs or nightclubs and even at picnics in an effort to engage voters. Southwark Council in south London is looking at a range of ideas to tempt its 280,000 residents to attend meetings and boost 'local democracy' - Metro