Smoke ban rebels faces court on November 5

Smoking ban flouter Hamish Howitt has changed his name by deed poll to Hamish ŒGuy Fawkes¹ Howitt to celebrate the first day of his court case ­ November 5.

He will be the first licensee to face court action over the smoking ban and is set for a two-day case in front of a district judge at Blackpool magistrates court.

Howitt, who is licensee of the Happy Scott¹s in Blackpool, Lancashire, will appear in court with his son and bar manager. The charges against his wife have been dropped.

The licensee, who is continuing to actively flout the smoking ban by allowing people to smoke in his pub, said: ³A district judge is coming to Blackpool and I think it¹s brilliant.

³I have officially changed my name and I won¹t change it back until I win the case. And if I lose, I will appeal.² Supporters claim they will turn up for the trial in period dress.

Meanwhile, Nick Hogan, tenant of the Swan and Barristers in Bolton, Lancashire, is vowing to support Howitt during his case.

He is due in court on September 14 himself, facing nine separate charges of flouting the ban.

Hogan also faces a battle with the possible new freehold owner of his pub, Darren Miller, who is buying the premises from former Provence chief Paul Kiely.

Hogan claims he will continue to fight the smoking ban and to keep control of his pub too.

Tony Blows of the Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, was still waiting for news from his local council as to whether it is to take action.

Dave West of the Hey Jo bar in London's Soho has yet to face any action over ignoring the ban.