Blackpool's smoke ban rebel Hamish Howitt has had his licence revoked by a Blackpool council licensing panel.

Mr Howitt, 55, was fined £2,515 at Blackpool magistrates on November 5 for five offences of failing to stop people smoking in his bars, Delboys Sports Bar and the Happy Scots Bar.

But now the controversial landlord had his license for the bars taken away.

A Blackpool council spokesperson today said: "The panel today revoked the premises' license after it was determined that three of the four licensing objectives had not been upheld - prevention of crime and disorder, protection of children from harm and protection of public safety.

"It was noted during the review that the premises had breaches of health and safety law and license conditions including the lack of a doorman and lack of membership to Pubwatch. A proven underage sale was also brought to the attention of the panel.

"Some weight was given to the failure to comply with the Health Act 2006, insofar it was a breach of the licensing objective to prevent crime and disorder.

"Mr Howitt has 21 days to lodge an appeal with the magistrates court, and, if appealed, the panel's decision will not come into effect unless the appeal is dismissed by the court."

Mr Howitt will also appear before magistrates again on Wednesday, November 21, after failing to stop people smoking in his bars on November 7.