Smoke-drift curbs outdoor drinking at pub

By John Harrington

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags License Smoking

Residents complained about smoke drift
Residents complained about smoke drift
A pub was denied a licence for outdoor drinking after residents said cigarette smoke would drift into their bedroom. That was one argument used...

A pub was denied a licence for outdoor drinking after residents said cigarette smoke would drift into their bedroom.

That was one argument used against the application to vary the licence to allow drinking on a new rear patio, and at tables at the front and sides of the Globe in Worthing, West Sussex.

Residents also feared extra noise would be created. Councillors rejected the variation, arguing that it would breach the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance.

Globe licensee Nick Spicer said: "We're really disappointed. We've only been here since November and it will definitely affect if we can stay here.

"We're not a rowdy place and I don't think having a small patio area would make that much difference to our neighbours," he told the West Sussex Gazette.

Morning Advertiser legal editor Peter Coulson said it was "very rare" that residents use the smoke-drift argument in representations against a pub.

"I think that once the smoke is into the atmosphere it's hardly a health risk, although it may be objectionable. But what can the licensees do? Ban smoking outside?"

Worthing licensing officer Simon Jones said: "It was one of those licensing meetings where there was not much compromise from either side. If it wasn't for the conflict between the two parties there could have been some compromise."

Related topics Legislation

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