First licensee to face legal action over smoking ban

Blackpool Council has issued a summons against smoke ban flouter Hamish Howitt licensee of the Happy Scots in Blackpool.

He has been issued with a writ detailing seven counts of breaking the ban and faces court action on August 1. 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."

He had accused the council of being a 'bunch of headless chickens' last week and vowed to continue to allow smoking on his premises.