Table talk

05 September 2003 by
Table talk

Angry Aage pledges to prolong pizza boycott

A Danish court has upheld a sentence against the pizzeria owner who refused to serve French and German tourists because their governments opposed the US-led war in Iraq.

Denmark's Western High Court upheld a ruling that ordered Aage Bjerre to pay a £500 fine or serve an eight-day prison sentence. "I will not pay the fine, but I'll do the time instead," Bjerre said. "It's a matter of principle."

Bjerre was fined for refusing to serve German and French tourists, whom he called "anti-American". Bjerre said he had lost at least £5,000 because of a drop in business and from vandalism to his shop on Fanoe island in western Denmark. But he has also received 300 letters of support from around the world.

Earlier this month, Bjerre sold his pizzeria because police threatened to seize his permit if the ruling were upheld. But he vowed to pursue his pro-American crusade by selling frozen pizzas via the Internet.

Bjerre said: "My home page will say clearly: ‘No pizzas to the Germans or the French'."

Banger bonanza set to strengthen sausage links

Here's something to stick in your diary: British Sausage Appreciation Week will run from 30 October to 5 November, sponsored by the formidable-sounding British Pig Executive (BPEx).

Celebrations will include kits for pubs and restaurants to promote their specialty bangers, as well as competitions for schoolchildren and caterers alike. For further details, call 020 8974 2404.

Latte lovers say coffee tax is just too mocha

Seattle, the home of Starbucks, is getting itself in a froth over a proposal to slap 10 cents tax on premium coffees. The tax is dividing public opinion ahead of local elections on 16 September.

Those in favour say the "latte tax" will raise millions of dollars, which will be used to pay for daycare for low-income children, and those willing to pay as much as $5 for a white chocolate mocha or caramel macchiato will hardly notice the price increase.

A coalition known as Joined to Oppose the Latte Tax (Jolt), which includes Starbucks itself, has raised $70,000 to contest the initiative. Coffee has been singled out arbitrarily, they argue, and the lack of a connection between the source and beneficiary of the tax revenues does not make economic sense.

Ach, I canna see Burns eulogisin' aboot gin

Whisky may be Scotland's national drink, but a rival tipple could soon join the ancient spirit - if one MSP has his way.

Brian Monteith, the Tory member for Mid-Scotland and Fife, has asked the Scottish Parliament to commission a branded gin to be stocked alongside bottles of commemorative whiskies and wines in its visitors' shop. The MSP wants to scotch the myth that most gin is made in London, arguing that many gin brands, including Gordon's, are distilled in Scotland, and 70% are bottled north of the Border.

He says that the London dry brand refers only to the type of spirit. "This would be a good way to publicise what the Scottish industry does for the UK," he said.

The Gin and Vodka Association (GVA) has welcomed Monteith's initiative. About 750 people are directly employed in the Scottish gin industry.

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