Licensee in battle with Provence boss

Smoke-ban rebel host Nick Hogan is battling the former boss of collapsed pub company Provence, who owns the freehold of Hogan's pubs, to stay in charge of the venues.

Paul Kiely is selling the Swan and Barristers - which are on one premises - with vacant possession, meaning they must be vacant when the new owner takes charge on 21 September.

But Hogan - who is to appear at magistrates on 14 September on charges of breaching the smoking ban at the pubs - said he has 32 years left on his 35-year lease and is determined to stay.

This week Hogan obtained a court injunction preventing Kiely and Darren Miller, who is buying the freehold from Kiely, from entering the premises or talking to staff.

Hogan said: "I've always had a good working relationship with Paul Kiely. I'm at a loss. Unfortunately we've got no alternative but to take legal action."

Miller, who owns the Flying Flute in Bolton, said he believed that if Hogan was found guilty in magistrates on 14 September, he would have broken the terms of his lease and can be forced out.

Miller said: "I have ex-changed contracts and hope for completion on the 21st. I will have nothing to do with Nick Hogan because as far as the current owner is concerned he has breached the terms of his lease and I'm buying the pub with vacant possession."

The MA was unable to contact Paul Kiely for comment.