Alcohol sales this Christmas in the UK are forecast to drop sharply after new figures revealed the extent of falling consumption over the past few years. Research group Mintel said that in each October-to-December quarter between 2000 and 2009 alcohol spend has fallen. In 2009 as a whole, it fell a huge 9% to £37bn, from £40.5bn in 2008, which Mintel said does not bode well for 2010, when consumer spending is tight - BBC
The drink-drive limit should be cut to "effectively zero" - but there is little evidence the public would support such a drastic change, a group of MPs has said. An earlier report called for the level to be cut to 50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood. In the long-term, the level should be reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 20mg, which is virtually nothing, the report from the House of Commons transport committee suggested - Sky
Pub grub helped brewer Marston's boost profits despite the continuing impact of the smoking ban. The company made £73.5million in the 12 months to October, helped by its F-Plan strategy of focusing on "food, families and 40 and 50-somethings". Boss Ralph Findlay said the firm's 2,000 pubs served a total of 24million meals during the year and food now represents 40% of Marston's sales - Daily Mail
Two iconic British tastes, Stilton cheese and real ale, have been fused together for a new beer, The Blue Brew, just in time for the festive season. Costing £2.10 a bottle, the cheesy beverage is available from Belvoir Brewery, which is behind drinks such as Oatmeal Stout and Star Bitter. The Stilton is infused into the beer during the fermenting process, creating a unique smooth taste and a light creamy texture - Metro