Howitt has premises licence revoked

Smoke ban rebel Hamish Howitt today had his premises licence revoked by Blackpool Council.

The council's licensing panel revoked the licence on Howitt's Delboy's Sports Bar on the basis that three of the four licensing objectives had not been upheld. These were: prevention of crime and disorder; protection of children from harm, and protection of public safety.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Council added: "It was noted during the review that the premises had breaches of health and safety law and license conditions, including the lack of a doorman and lack of membership to Pubwatch.

"A proven underage sale was also brought to the attention of the panel."

Howitt was earlier this month fined £500 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to 12 offences of allowing smoking on his premises. He became the first licensee to be prosecuted for flouting the ban.

He is due back at Blackpool magistrates court on Wednesday after being issued with a summons for allegedly flouting the ban again.

The council spokesperson added: "Some weight was given to the failure to comply with the Health Act 2006, insofar it was a breach of the licensing objective to prevent crime and disorder."

Howitt has 21 days to lodge an appeal with the magistrate's court, and, if appealed, the panel's decision will not come into effect unless the appeal is dismissed by the court.

He revealed last month that he is selling his bars, but will continue to fight the ban.