It was certainly an intriguing heading on the lead story in the Barfly Diary in the business section of Scotland on Sunday, at the weekend: ‘Bar bill sadly not business as usual’.
However, all was explained at the end of a piece which began by recalling that … ”it was ten years ago that Business a.m., the ill-fated Scottish business tabloid newspaper that managed to burn its way through a highly impressive £25 million in a little over two years, was launched at a lavish party staged at Edinburgh College of Art.
“Former staff of the Swedish-backed pink daily, including former managing director John Penman, and ex-editor Richard Neville, gathered last week in an Edinburgh pub to reminisce about the days of generous expense accounts and final salary pensions.
“During the brief lifespan of the affectionately remembered title, the generosity of the Swedes had ensured the beer and wine flowed freely at regular staff get-togethers.”
And then, finally, the explanation for that heading: “But despite the sterling efforts of a number of individuals, the former workers only just managed to reach the £700 bar tab needed to ensure the room rental was free.”
