Smoking rebel defiant despite warning

A licensee who is defying the smoking ban has been sent a warning letter from his council.

But Tony Blows has told the MA he is determined to continue to allow smoking at the Dog Inn at Ewyas Harold, near Hereford.

I confirm that we had received intelligence alleging that you are failing to comply​The EHO warning letter.

The letter, from his local environmental health manager Paul Nicholas, says: "I confirm that we had received intelligence alleging that you are failing to comply with one or more duties under the above legislation [the smoking ban]. That intelligence comprised a telephone call from a person who did not give his details, and a number of recent 'articles' in the media."​

"This letter confirms the warning (given to you at the time of the visit) that failure to stop persons smoking at your premises may result in formal action being initiated against you.

"A further visit to the premises will take place if either I believe that offences are likely to be committed, or the Council receives intelligence that offences have or are being committed.

"If a further visit is made and offences are witnessed, you will either be cautioned and interviewed at that time or invited to attend an interview under caution. Following the interview a decision will be made as to whether to recommend to the Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards to initiate a prosecution."

When asked if he will now comply with the smoking ban, Blows said: "Absolutely not. Nothing has changed. In fact I've got calls from pubs that have put ashtrays back because they have lost trade."​

Blows said he allows smoking in a dedicated room of his pub.

"I'm going back to what we were after, which is a smoking room, and it's working absolutely fine."​

To see a copy of the warning letter click here.