Smoke-in planned in protest over ban
A mass light-up will take place at a Bolton pub on 1 July in defiance of the smoking ban.
Nick Hogan, licensee of the 750-capacity Swan in Churchgate, will openly flout the ban and has invited hosts from across England and Scotland to join him. Individuals caught smoking face a £50 fine, while Hogan could be hit with a fine of up to £2,500.I am not relishing breaking the law, but someone, somewhere has to make a standNick Hogan of the Swan.
"I am not relishing breaking the law, but someone, somewhere has to make a stand," he said. "I expect to be prosecuted and go to court where I will challenge the morality and legality of this ban. I am not pro-smoking, but I am pro-choice.
"I should be entitled to put a sign up saying this is a smoking pub and give people the choice of whether they want to work here or come in here to drink. If the no smoking pub across the road was full and I had three customers then market forces would dictate my future but it should be my choice."
Hogan, who has a free-of-tie lease at the Swan, plans to spend £10,000 on an air filtration system rather than on an outside shelter for smokers.
"I don't think my trade would drop off too dramatically because I have a courtyard but I need all the other venues here to remain in business - both friends and competitors. It is the diversity of nightlife that brings people to Bolton."
Although Hogan is a member of the Freedom to Choose group, which is seeking a judicial review of the ban, spokesman Robert Feal-Martinez confirmed there was no official support for the smoke-in. "While I understand his reasons, when laws are enacted they should be adhered to," he said.
A Bolton council spokesman said: "We will be observing what happens on the day and will take action where appropriate."
