Alan suddenly decides to put his stereo in the bar. He tells Carol that it is so that he can play soothing music for his customers, but she realises that he is going to claim his hi-fi as a business expense when the VAT inspector calls. She suggests that he puts his television in the bar as well and he takes her seriously. Caroline is worried when Nick tells her that he is going to babysit for Alice that evening. She doesn't want him to build up his hopes. Alan is alarmed when the VAT man turns up. He introduces himself as Mr McKay - the man Eric told him about. Jack tries to encourage Sarah to take a break, but she just wants to keep busy. Eric panics Alan by telling him not to offer 'Mac the knife' a drink or lunch as he could construe that as a bribe. Nick has bought Alice's Christmas p