Large groups of drinkers should forgo the long-standing tradition where each one has to buy a drink for the entire party to try to cut down on binge drinking. The suggestion was made by Richard Thaler, a professor at Chicago University, and a key adviser to the Prime Minister on behavioural economics or "nudge" policy - The Daily Telegraph
A pint at the pub will bust the three quid mark today - sparking fury among landlords over the 2.5 per cent rise in VAT. Drinks trade experts warned the hike will lead to 8,800 job losses - with more to come when beer duty rises by another 5p in March - The Sun
Offenders with drinking problems do not get enough support to turn their lives around, a report has found. Alcohol misuse is a bigger cause of crime and ill health than drug abuse, but intervention schemes are under-resourced and health and justice services should pool their resources in the future, the Centre for Mental Health study said - Press Association
Scotland's largest health board has come in for severe criticism after it tried to ban a wholesale shop from selling rice wines and specialist beers because of alcohol-related illness in parts of Glasgow. The head of the city's licensing board, the Law Society of Scotland's liquor law specialist, and senior trade lobbyists have condemned NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's move, claiming its objections were "frivolous and vexatious" - Herald Scotland
The rise in VAT marks the true start of the coalition's "squeeze" on families, the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, said yesterday as business leaders warned of the potential damage of the tax increase to a fragile economy. Shoppers flooded high streets yesterday, snapping up items such as furniture, electrical goods and kitchens in an attempt to beat the VAT rise, from 17.5% to 20%, which took effect at midnight - The Guardian