Now smoke ban rebel will face court (From The Bolton News)

Now smoke ban rebel will face court

10:55am Sunday 5th August 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

SMOKING ban rebel Nick Hogan is to face court after defying an order to meet council bosses.

Bolton Council confirmed its legal team would begin proceedings after the landlord of The Swan and Barristers pubs in Bradshawgate failed to turn up to a meeting at his own pub with environmental health officers yesterday.

Mr Hogan has refused to force smokers to put out their cigarettes in his pubs since the ban was introduced on July 1.

He threw out environmental officers when they tried to issue him with a warning that he faced a £2,500 fine for allowing smokers to light up in The Swan last month.

Mr Hogan has since refused to attend any interview under caution and repeatedly called for the council to take him to court so his views could be aired publicly.

A council spokesman said: "We can confirm that Mr Hogan failed to attend an interview on Friday.

"We have attempted to speak to him on numerous occasions over recent weeks and he has repeatedly refused to co-operate.

"The case will be referred to our legal team who will make arrangements for a court date."