12:57pm Saturday 15th September 2007
By Staff Reporter
REBEL landlord Nick Hogan has appeared before Bolton magistrates to face charges of defying the smoking ban.
Mr Hogan pleaded not guilty to five counts of failing to prevent people from smoking in his pubs and four of obstructing council officers.
The licensee of The Swan and Barristers pubs in Bolton town centre will now face a trial, which will start on November 12.
He said: "I have entered a not guilty plea because I'm not committing any criminal offences. I'm not doing anything wrong.
"We inform everyone who comes into The Swan and Barristers that it is illegal to smoke in our premises."
If Mr Hogan is found guilty, he could face a fine of £16,500 - £2,500 for each of the smoking offences and £1,000 on the obstruction charges.
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