Susan,
I agree - not a great clue.
For the last two main clues and one small one remaining incomplete, a bit of help would as always be much appreciated.
13across is: Close friend certain East will go for ace (9)
Letters: C - N - U - A - -
It sounds as if it could be a Bridge-related clue.
The last letter is the fifth letter of:
8 down is: Sour beer found in Eastern Mediterranean (10)
Letters: E - B - - - E - E -
I remember this came up a while back - an anagram of 'sour beer' plus an extra E, and I think you said it was an unusual word?
The last one I can't find a set of letters to make sense is:
24acrossFlatter fizzy drink for the audience (4)
Letters: C - A -