A LANDLORD has vowed to flout the smoking ban by playing host to a mass `light-up' on the day it comes into force.
Nick Hogan hopes people from all over the country will flock to The Swan in Bolton, for the protest on July 1.
Councils across the country say they will be rigorously enforcing the new legislation, which bans smoking in all enclosed public places.
But the pub boss says he is willing to be hauled into the dock over what he is convinced is a `civil liberties' issue. If the protest attracts big numbers, Mr Hogan claims he will continue to allow people to smoke in his pub.
Smokers and publicans from across the country are expected to turn up at the 3pm demonstration. Speakers from Scotland and Wales, where bans have been introduced, will be talking about how it has affected business.
Protest
Mr Hogan said non-smokers and people with no connection to the pub trade will also be joining the protest.
He said: "I do not advocate smoking, but it is a legal pastime and I strongly believe a blanket ban is not right. I should be given the opportunity to stick a sign up on my bar saying `smokers are welcome', just as anyone who doesn't want to be in such an environment has the opportunity to walk away."
Mr Hogan added: "I don't want to break the law. But I'm willing to be prosecuted and have my day in court."
Bolton council chiefs have vowed to keep a close eye on anyone breaking the ban.
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ace, manchester (30/05/2007 at 10:36)
Well to nick hogan? anybody who becomes ill (lung desease Ect) in his pub should take legal action against him. This stupid way of thinking is old hat?He needs his licence revolking for this outdated attitude to protect his customers (Smoking has been proved to cause a lot of illneses including cancer and lung desease)
Princess_Pam, Crumpsall (30/05/2007 at 11:40)
marc (30/05/2007 at 11:45)
Leo B (30/05/2007 at 11:58)
ace, manchester (30/05/2007 at 12:13)
As a long term smoker,now a ex smoker since i was diagnosed with a severe lung desease i now know what damage smoking causes.Its not about freedoms,its about people dying a very very painful death because of smoking (Proved beyond any doubt)Sorry mate landlords like you have no place in this business.We proved that seatbelts saved lives and people at first didnt like wearing them (now people understand that belts saves lives)SORRY MATE YOU ARE SO FAR OUT OF DATE..........
marc (30/05/2007 at 12:35)
Princess_Pam, Crumpsall (30/05/2007 at 13:32)
ace, manchester (30/05/2007 at 13:48)
The desease ive been diagnosed with is (COPD) a lung desease that is incurable,due to smoking ,not cancer as you said? but these people who promote smoking in business need suing. that ia what i meant
ace, manchester (30/05/2007 at 13:52)
Smoking does cause cancer (a known fact ) get real and stop looking for excuses to carry on poluting other peoples air with this disgusting habit.if you want to smoke do it in the privacy of your own home..
marc (30/05/2007 at 13:52)
smokerfordemocracy, South Queensferry (01/06/2007 at 15:18)
THE 1ST JULY IS NATIONAL LIGHT-UP DAY
Dave Shephard (01/06/2007 at 16:08)
Squealer, Notts (01/06/2007 at 18:08)
ace, manchester
30/05/2007 at 13:52
A typical response from the anti smoking brigade.
GET IN THE REAL WORLD!
Smoking is LEGAL........if it was SO bad for us then it would be ILLEGAL and you would all be happy....... (oh no, I forgot the £7bn it generates in taxes per year... silly me.)
My point is that as it IS legal, why the hell should I stay at home and not have a social life?
Why can't we have smoking and non smoking pubs? Then EVERY hard working tax payer has a choice.....
This is NOT about smoking, it is about freedom to choose!
(dot com)
Good luck Nick.
Popeye, UK (01/06/2007 at 19:14)
ace, manchester (01/06/2007 at 20:22)
But his front door has the general public walking through it you idiot.What he does in his home has nothing to do with anybody but if its open to the public he should abide by the laws of the land.