Admiral closes smoke-rebel pubs
An Admiral Taverns pub where the host allowed smoking has been closed - because it had no registered licensee.
The pubco has publicly condemned Stuart Smith, who allowed customers at the Golden Fleece in Greetland, Halifax, to smoke after he took over two months ago.
A Calderdale Council spokesman said the pub's designated premises supervisor (DPS), Stuart Smith's son Luke, left the pub last week and Stuart was never registered as the DPS.
Licensing officer David Drucquer said: "There is no person there with a licence allowing them to sell alcohol and therefore the premises cannot trade."
In a further twist, Stuart moved to Admiral's College Arms in Huddersfield - where Luke had held a lease - and threatened to allow smoking there too. But it was not licensed either and Admiral closed it.
An Admiral spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that Stuart Smith is not, and never has been, licensee of the Golden Fleece or College Arms. We can also confirm that Luke Smith no longer has any licensing agreement in place with Admiral Taverns."
She added Admiral "felt obliged to comment" on Stuart's actions as he had "unfortunately linked
himself to both pubs".
"As a responsible operator of quality pubs, we fully support the smoking ban and provide our landlords with all possible support and advice to allow them to comply with the law and offer a suitable environment for non-smoking and smoking customers.
"Stuart Smith has been removed from the College Arms, and the Golden Fleece and College Arms have closed to avoid further problems."
She said anyone looking to take on the College Arms should call 01923 726367 or visit www.admiraltaverns.com.
The MA was unable to contact Stuart or Luke Smith for comment.Stuart Smith has been ordered to appear before magistrates on 28 January after Kirkless Council issued a summons against him.
The summons is for allowing people to light up and failing to display no-smoking signs at the College Arms.
