Jail threat to licensees
Licensees in Glasgow could end up in jail if they don't sweep up after smokers who pop outside for a fag.
The smoking ban comes into effect in Scotland on March 26 and smokers are expected to hit the street to satisfy their cravings but licensees are being warned that any stubbed out cigs are their responsibility.
Street cleaningGlasgow City Council failed in an attempt to get extra money from the Scottish Executive to pay for street cleaning so they are asking pub and club owners to help keep the streets clean.They are going to enforce this ban by taking licence holders to courtPaul Waterston, Scottish Licensed Trade Association
If not they could face prosecution - which under existing laws means the possibility of fines of up to £2500 or six months' prison for failing to keep the area around their premises clean.
Trade angerScottish trade leaders are angry because licensees are being left to enforce the smoking ban.
Paul Waterston, of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, told the Glasgow Evening Times: "They are going to enforce this ban by taking licence holders to court. Why don't they target the people who are actually breaking the law - the smokers or the people dropping the litter?"
The news will send shivers down the spine of licensees in England which is expected to ban smoking from summer 2007. Your Comments Robert Feal-Martinez via email 09/03/06 5:01pm
"One more example of the fact that this Ban is about social engineering. Rid the world of smokers at all cost, but don't lose the revenue. The Scots do have a backbone, they are fighting back see The Bigdebate Forum on www.thebigdebate.org" Martin Morris via email 5:31pm 08/03/2006 "I wouldnt get to hot under the collar re Glasgow City Council. They try all the time to invent rules that would be tossed out by any Sheriff.
What you guys need is someone with a bit of backbone to tell them where to go!"
