Three smoke-ban rebels quit trade

Three of the smoke-ban rebel hosts are quitting the trade.

Hamish Howitt and Tony Blows have put their pubs up for sale - but vowed to see their court cases for allegedly flouting the ban through to the end.

Meanwhile, Nick Hogan is moving to Spain after settling his case against former Provence boss Paul Kiely to remain at the adjoining pubs the Swan and the Barristers in Bolton.

Howitt, of Delboy's Sports Bar, which incorporates the Happy Scot karaoke bar in Blackpool, has put the freehold on the market with GA-Select for £600,000.

Last week Howitt's premises licence review was delayed a month for health and safety improvements to be made. He faces court on 5 November for flouting the ban.

Howitt said: "I don't think I will ever have a pub again - I can't see myself running an eating pub."

Blows said he is to quit on the day he pleaded not guilty for flouting the ban. He is accused of smoking himself and allowing others to on 4 August at the Dog Inn in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire.

He faces further charges of failing to stop others smoking on 23 July. The case has been adjourned until 21 January.

"I am fed up and have put the pub on the market," he said. Blows' 48-year free-of-tie lease is on the market with GA-Select for £125,000. He added: "My health has gone downhill. After 30 years in the trade, it's time to retire."

But Blows is determined to see his court case through. His defence rests on the fact he has "done his bit" by informing customers of the law, but he cannot risk the safety of his staff by making them enforce it.

Heyjo continues to flout ban

The fourth smoke-ban rebel venue - HeyJo club in Westminster, London - continues to allow smoking.

Owner Dave West, who has hired Cherie Blair to force a judicial review of the ban, is also helping to organise a mass protest for Howitt's court appearance on 5 November, where people are to dress like Guy Fawkes.

The club's defence rests on the ban breaching human rights. West's business partner Harry Barnett said: "We will take this ban to judicial review and then to the House of Lords if that fails, and then to the European Court. It could take five years, and until then we will continue to allow smoking."