concern

Fears are growing over the wellbeing of Alcohol Concern's chief executive Don Shenker this morning as the BBC publish two stories calling for tougher alcohol controls and he hasn't been quoted in either of them. Neither the call for minimum pricing and the underage drinking scare include the traditional quotes from the leader of the fakecharity.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Media Encouragement spoke to us earlier to deny the unsubstantiated claim we made that a rift had formed between Mr Shenker and the government. "At this point any suggestion that there is a rift between us is just wild speculation" said the spokesperson.

"We decided that the BBC would publish the articles without quotes from Alcohol Concern because Don is on holiday and we didn't think he would appreciate being disturbed. He will return to action early in the new year with a renewed vigour and conviction. He still has our complete support."

It has been reported that Jack Law, the head of Alcohol Focus Scotland, and Sarah Matthews from the British Liver Trust are incensed that they weren't asked to provide quotes for the pieces. One source said "Privately Jack felt that this was a golden opportunity to step out of Don's shadow and create some mild panic on his own, with a view to becoming the primary source of quotes once Don moves on to bigger and better things. He's gutted that he wasn't given the chance but he realises that he's got to work harder so that he's more ready next time."