Details of the legislation that would ban the sale of cheap alcohol across Greater Manchester have been revealed. Officials have drawn up a draft bylaw that would outlaw the sale of alcohol for less than 50p per unit and pub loyalty card schemes. Any off-licence, pub or nightclub found breaking the rules could be fined up to £500. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities meets on Friday to discuss the first draft of the bylaw - BBC
Pubs now sell more food than beer for the first time as people shun stuffy restaurants for a relaxed environment. Some 72 per cent visit their local to eat while 63 per cent go for a pint. Cheap theme nights and adventurous menus have boosted popularity, market analyst Mintel found. Gastropubs have also taken off in city centres and - as 7,000 pubs closed last year - experts reckon bars serving decent food are more likely to survive the recession. Mintel said: "For some venues, catering is more important than a pint" - The Mirror
A small glass of red wine every day could keep adult diabetes under control, scientists claimed last night. A new study found that the drink contains high concentrations of chemicals that help the body regulate levels of sugar in the blood. Just a small glass of red contained as many of these active ingredients as a daily dose of an anti-diabetic drug, the researchers found - Daily Mail
More than 100 people who are accused of breaching Derry City Council's by-laws against on-street drinking are to face a formal caution. It is the first time the council has used the tactic to try and curb public drinking. The council's Environmental Services Committee chair, Mark H Durkan, said it was like a "yellow card". Offenders face a maximum fine of £500 - BBC