Dudley host fined for flouting ban

A West Midlands licensee is the latest to be fined for flouting the smoking ban.

Josephine Garfield has been ordered to pay £2,615 after admitting failing to stop people smoking, plus other offences.

Dudley magistrates heard that more than a dozen police and council officers raided her pub - the Top Bell in Lye - and found customers openly smoking.

The court was told council officers had sent her written and verbal warnings following reports of people smoking inside.

Garfield told the court she asked all smokers to come inside because she suspected that trouble might flare up.

She said a man was previously found beaten up outside and customers told her the attackers were coming back that evening.

Garfield, of Queensway, Wollescote, also pleaded guilty to serving alcohol and playing music after hours.

She was fined £1,000 for flouting the smoking ban, £500 for serving after hours, £100 for playing music too late. She was ordered to pay £1,015 costs.

The court heard that magistrates chose not to revoke her licence because of her impressive record as a local licensee for 14 years.

Trade consultant Phil Dixon told the MA: "I live locally and I'm aware of other

licensees who have had warnings [about flouting the smoking ban] - it's now time to comply."