'NI pub trade 'critical' after weather wipeout'

The chief executive of a major hospitality body in Northern Ireland has said the situation for the local industry is "critical" after trade was badly hit by the weekend weather. Hundreds of Christmas functions had to be cancelled on Friday and Saturday after snow caused massive disruption. Colin Neill of Pubs of Ulster, which represents 70% of pubs in NI and and a third of all hotels, said he expected "a lot of bars" to close in the new year - BBC​

Scottish brewer Tennent's has offered a "lifeline" to thousands of struggling pub and hotel owners in Scotland who have been bit hard by the double whammy of recession and adverse weather conditions by extending its credit terms. The lager maker, which is owned by Irish firm C&C Group, is providing a month's extension of credit to all of its independent customers in a move strongly welcomed by the industry's main trade body, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) - The Scotsman​

When totting up your alcohol units this festive season, make a note of those you get from food as well as drinks. Why? Because a sherry trifle can give you around a quarter of a unit of alcohol (per average 100g serving). And although some of the alcohol in the brandy used to smother Christmas pudding is burnt off in the festive flame, a typical serving can still give you another quarter of a unit - The Sun​

The weather will continue to play icy games with almost the whole country until New Year's Day, according to forecasters, although chaos on the scale of the air travel disruption this weekend is unlikely. The maverick weather pattern which saw most of the north and East Midlands enjoy sunshine and few travel problems while the south and parts of Wales were overwhelmed, will continue, but with the grief spread about - The Guardian​