Landlord's fine threat fury (From The Bolton News)

Landlord's fine threat fury

2:55pm Sunday 19th August 2007

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A PUB boss has been threatened with a £20,000 fine - because neighbours have complained smokers banned from lighting up inside are making a noise in his beer garden smoking shelter.

David Coombs says he has followed the letter of the law by banning punters from smoking at the Greyhound pub in Westhoughton.

So he was furious when a letter from Bolton Council's Environmental Health department landed on his mat demanding noise levels were reduced in the beer garden.

Mr Coombs has blasted council chiefs for threatening to punish him, claiming drinkers are not rowdy and have been sticking to new laws, introduced in July.

He said: "I feel like I can't do right for doing wrong. Since the ban was introduced my customers have been really good and simply used to facilities for them in the beer garden and I've made sure the ban is enforced. They do have a chat, but they aren't rowdy or disruptive.

"It is a hammer blow to be told I could be fined £20,000. It is absolutely incredible because this pub is totally adhering to the law."

Council bosses have received several complaints since the outdoor seating and wooden smoking shelter and seats were erected at the back of the Manchester Road pub earlier this year Officers from the environmental health department at Bolton Council have already visited the pub to ask Mr Coombs to ensure his customers are quiet.

A council spokesman said: "Bolton Council's pollution control unit will investigate complaints about noise and have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to serve notice and, if necessary, prosecute for breach of a notice.

"In this case we have received several complaints and officers are investigating the allegations. We have spoken to the landlord, however, further complaints have been received which allege the problem is continuing. We will carry out our own observations and gather evidence, which will help us determine the extent of the problem. "Depending on the outcome of this we have the option of serving a legal notice if necessary."

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