The Scottish government is launching its biggest ever awareness-raising campaign on the dangers of cocaine use. Staff will visit 140 pubs and clubs used by 18 to 24 year olds in the country's main towns and cities, in the run-up to Christmas - BBC
An 11th-hour appeal is being made to opposition MSPs to think again about voting down minimum unit pricing of alcohol when it comes before Holyrood for a final decision this week - Herald
Britain is bracing itself for snow, torrential downpours and winds of up to 70 miles per hour as winter descends across the country. Those hoping to gently acclimatise to the harsher weather will be in for a shock - with conditions changing without a moment's notice. Meteorologists said it was unlikely that any region would escape the gloom, with parts of Wales and Scotland expected to bear the brunt of the bad weather, before it spreads east throughout the day - Daily Mail
The government will throw its weight behind Diageo chief executive Paul Walsh this week as the drinks giant bids for a controlling stake in one of China's biggest spirits-makers. Diageo is awaiting clearance for the bid from Chinese authorities, with foreign takeovers usually viewed in a critical light. The coalition-led trade group arriving in China today includes David Cameron, George Osborne and business secretary Vince Cable. Diageo hopes the official visit will act as a catalyst for regulatory approval that would allow it to establish a foothold in the Chinese drinks market - CITY AM
Scotland's first pub academy, to train staff in the hospitality industry, is due to open on Wednesday. The £1 million Tennent's Training Academy is equipped to support a range of courses including business management and bartendering. The facility is at the Wellpark Brewery in Glasgow and will be open to retailers, as well as businesses within the hospitality industry - The Herald