Council prepare for smoke ban court action (From Blackpool Citizen)

Council prepare for smoke ban court action

10:38am Thursday 19th July 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

Council chiefs have revealed enforcement action is imminent against a Blackpool landlord who continues to defy the smoking ban.

Hamish Howitt, licensee of the Happy Scots bar on Rigby Road, has challenged the authorities to prosecute him and says he will refuse to pay any fines and is prepared to go to prison if need be.

A statement released by Blackpool Council yesterday said: "We have visited the premises on a numerous occasions over the last two weeks and as a result we are compiling a dossier of evidence which is currently in the hands of the council's legal and enforcement teams.

"The issue is on the top of their list of priorities and they are dealing with it as quickly as they can, so that they can take further action at the earliest opportunity.

"It's crucial, however, that the council is thorough and accurate in the process."

• Print
• Email
• Share