Renegade pubs defy smoking ban

Renegade licensees continue to defy the smoking ban with no sign of action against them

Three renegade licensees are continuing to defy the smoking ban with local councils showing no sign of taking action against them.

Customers at the Swan, Bradshawgate, Bolton, the Dog Inn, Ewyas Harold, Hereford, and the Happy Scot in Blackpool, have been free to light up since the ban began on 1 July.

I am pointing out the new law to my customers but leaving it to them what they decide to do because I am not getting involvedSwan licensee Nick Hogan.

All three hosts have now received official warnings from council officers but no legal proceedings have so far been issued.

Swan licensee Nick Hogan said a week had now passed without any contact from Bolton council.

"They know exactly what I am doing so the ball is in their court, the worst they can do is fine me," he said.

"I am pointing out the new law to my customers but leaving it to them what they decide to do because I am not getting involved."

Hogan said he had heard reports of other pubs beginning to flout the law and claimed the protest was gathering momentum. Dog Inn licensee Tony Blows said customers were turning up from "all parts of the compass" to enjoy a smoke in his pub.

"One couple from miles away have even rung up to book bed and breakfast so the support has been fantastic," he said.

Host Hamish Howitt at the Happy Scot said earlier this week that he was expecting a summonse from his council at any moment.