The Westower Tavern at West Ballina. THE Judd family's Westower Tavern at West Ballina has been sold to Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group. After a heart-wrenching decision to sell the tavern, the deal was completed on December 1.

Capital Hospitality Group plans to open a Court Street restaurant called On the Rocks as soon as interior renovations have been completed. Plymouth selectmen granted an all-alcohol liquor license for the new restaurant this week.

SYDNEY'S largest hospitality group, Merivale Group, has again denied reports that the family empire, which includes the luxury Ivy complex, is feeling the pressure of the credit crunch.