Pub’s ‘light up’ protest against smoking ban (From This Is Lancashire)

Pub’s ‘light up’ protest against smoking ban

11:31am Friday 25th May 2007 in

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A PROTEST against the smoking ban is being planned in Bolton on the day it comes into force in England.

Organisers hope people from all over the country will flock to The Swan in Churchgate for a "mass light up" on July 1.

But council chiefs have vowed they will crack down on anyone flouting the ban which outlaws smoking in all enclosed public places.

Landlord Nick Hogan has agreed that The Swan can be used for the protest because he is so infuriated by the ban.

Speakers from Scotland and Wales will be attending to talk about how the law, which has already been introduced in both countries, has affected them. Mr Hogan has invited Bolton's landlords and publicans to the event. He said: "I'm not pro-smoking, but I am pro-choice.

"If people don't like my smoking policy then they have the chance to go somewhere else. This is our act of defiance.

"I have respect for the law, but I have no respect for an unfair law. I don't want to break the law, but I feel I've been pushed into it.

"At the end of the day it's my pub, not the Government's.

"Cigarettes are a legal product. If the council wants to ban smoking in its buildings or it is banned in the hospital, then that's fine because they are publicly-owned buildings, but my pub is not."

Council chiefs have vowed to keep a close eye on those ignoring the ban. Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: "We will be looking at this situation and we will be taking legal advice.

"If there is anyone breaking the ban, then we will be looking at taking appropriate action."

In Bolton 29.6 per cent of people smoke compared to a national average of 27 per cent. The Bolton News launched its Stub It Out campaign when these figures were revealed, calling for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, including pubs, clubs and private members bars.

In February last year MPs voted for such a ban and anyone caught flouting it after July 1 will be fined £50.