First landlord to be fined for breaking smoking ban

Hamish Howitt, licensee of the Happy Scots in Blackpool, looks set to be the first pub landlord in England to be punished for flouting the smoking ban.

Blackpool Council has issued him with a writ detailing seven counts of breaking the ban.

Howitt faces court action on 1 August where, if found guilty, he will face a fine of £2,500.

Henry Mitchell, chair of Blackpool Council's Licensing Committee, said: "We can confirm that the council has issued legal proceedings against Mr Howitt in relation to failure to prevent smoking in a smoke-free premises."

Howitt has been a prominent critic of the smoking ban recently telling reporters: "I won't be stopping my customers smoking. I will go to jail if I have to, and I will go gladly."

Blackpool landlord could be first to face smoking ban fine >>

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By Daniel Thomas

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