Darling's banned, but Gerry's welcome!

April 8, 2008: Alistair Darling may be banned from most pubs in Britain, but Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe is being welcomed with open arms.

The difference? Mr Sutcliffe, in an interview with the Morning Advertiser, failed to toe the Government line and said he was on the side of licensed trade over the controversial alcohol tax hike.

"We, and I speak as a champion of the pub trade, want the Chancellor to change his mind," he said.

The Advertiser welcomed Mr Sutcliffe's remarks and is now insisting publicans welcome the minister into their hostelries. It even has a 'Saint Gerry' poster for landlords to download.