Smoke rebel voted out of Pubwatch

Hamish Howitt has received a vote of no confidence from the Pubwatch group he chaired for publicly flouting the smoking ban.

The ballot was put before members of Blackpool and Fylde Pubwatch shortly after Blackpool City Council raised concerns over the direction and leadership of the group.

I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in the outcome of the vote and I've asked my associates in the trade not to take part​Hamish Howitt

It read: "In deliberately acting in defiance of legislation on no smoking in public places, through publicity generated by him and a stated, continued intention to continue to flout legislation, Hamish Howitt, chairman of Blackpool & Fylde Pubwatch has damaged and endangered the future viability of this Pubwatch; through his determination to continue with this action will further damage and endanger its viability and should therefore relinquish his position as chairman."​

Howitt said: "I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in the outcome of the vote and I've asked my associates in the trade not to take part."​

He has been temporarily replaced by John Farrell who was formerly vice chairman. Farrell said: "It's now a matter of getting back on good terms with the Council and the Police - we need their support. The Pubwatch could not function under Hamish, we have to be seen to obey the law."​

His case was recently adjourned at Blackpool court due to lack of legal representation. Howitt will face court again on the 15th of this month.