UP FRONT
04. Trade & Industry
D4M’s Julia Charles wins business award; ALMR backs two-thirds of a pint proposal; Poppleston Allen launches round-the-clock helpline for troubled licensees
06. One to Watch
Leading lagers spearhead a revolution with downsized ABV beers

Operational
08. Nocturnal Notes
Executuve director of Noctis Paul Smith picks holes in the Government’s latest draft retail code for its soft approach to off-trade drinks pricing
10. Legal News
Licensing expert Jeremy Allen illustrates the varying perceptions of “public nuisance” by Court judges

Liquid Assets
14. Drinks News
Top London bar operators develop premium spirits portfolio for Waverley TBS; Diageo extends Smirnoff Original Nights to Manchester

INTERVIEW
16. COVER STORY: Controlling Interest
Rachel Esson speaks to AMG CEO John Northcote about the group’s rapid expansion, and the fusion of live venue and club at its new Leeds Academy

Venue REVIEW
22. Diva Beach Chelsea
24. Opal Lounge Edinburgh
28. Buddha Bar Westminster

DESIGN
32. Design Showcase
inside i delivers an outdoor experience at Nottingham’s The Boathouse; Bignell Shacklady Ewing creates two new location concepts for Luminar

Technology
36. Technology News
Blacka Acoustics upgrade Odd and Odder’s sound to render it fit for high profile DJs; SSE announces a new audio hire system in time for Christmas parties
39. The Sound Spectrum
Assistant Editor Michael Nicholson questions whether sound can be pretty and takes a look at some of the hottest audio products that have launched in 2008

FEATURE
49. Middlesex Sound and Lighting is 25
MD Mike Olivier tells us why the company has enjoyed 25 years of success and we help them celebrate with a look at their best projects to date

Outro
58. Andy Daniell
After ten years of Bar Grooves compilations, Andy Daniell introduces the upfront house of ‘Disco Heat’