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Q I've been the victim of several shoplifting incidents and often the culprits are not punished by the courts. How do I go about claiming compensation from the thieves?

Q How many drinks stores have been granted licences for 24-hour opening?

Q The spotlights in my shop make the wines on

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Q I'm feeling increasingly isolated in the battle against under-age sales, despite trying to foster good relations with the police. Is there an off-trade version of Pubwatch anywhere which could provide inspiration for my local area?

Q A colleague is persistently late for the start of their shift. As well as causing inconvenience and annoyance to colleagues, this person is being paid for work they do not do while others are not paid for unscheduled hours they put in - about two hours or so every fortnight. Management are aware of this long-running situation but appear unwilling or unable to do anything meaningful about it. Any suggestions?

Q I'm reading so many conflicting reports about corks and whether they allow wines to breathe. What is the definitive line on this? Is it true that the benefit of a natural closure is that a small amount of oxygen penetrates the material and keeps the wine at its peak?

Q There is a lot of chatter about wine from India and China. What about Japan?

To respond to the unanswered questions below, or to ask a reader's advice, simply e mail:

oln.editorial@william-reed.co.u

Q I am gradually increasing the number of organic wines on my shelves. Are vegetarian wines still talked about these days and should I bother with them?

Q Screwcap wines now dominate my range, but the number of wines being supplied with this form of closure seems to have plateaued. How come so many suppliers seem happy with cork, despite the consumer's acceptance of screwcaps?

To respond to the unanswered questions below, or to ask a reader's advice, simply e mail:

oln.editorial@william-reed.co.u

Q I'm selling more limoncello than I used to but know next to nothing about

Q I'm due to open an off-licence on the edge of a city centre next month, in an area that has had past problems with robbery. What procedures can I put in place to protect staff?

To respond to the unanswered questions below, or to ask a reader's advice, simply e-mail:

oln.editorial@william-reed.co.u