Landlord fined over pub smokers

The smoking ban was introduced nine months ago

A landlord has been fined £1,000 after customers were caught flouting the smoking ban and lighting up in his pub.

Council enforcement officers visited the Plough Inn in Morriston, Swansea, and found smokers in the bar and ashtrays on tables, magistrates heard.

Ian Le Masurier pleaded guilty to an offence under rules banning smoking in enclosed places but the court was told he was not on the premises at the time.

The assembly government said it was the first prosecution of its kind in Wales.

The ban on smoking in public places was introduced in Wales last April.

Swansea Council said Le Masurier had been warned several times before he was taken to court.

The person in charge of the pub was given advice on a number of occasions before a decision was taken to proceed with a prosecution Chris Steele, Swansea Council

Council health promotion officer Chris Steele said: "Council officers made several visits to the Plough Inn following complaints about smoking at the premises.

"Our smoking enforcement team has spent a considerable amount of time giving all businesses in Swansea information and advice on the new legislation.

"The person in charge of the pub was given advice and information on their responsibilities on a number of occasions before a decision was taken to proceed with a prosecution."

Swansea Council has issued 12 fixed penalty fines since the ban came into force with the majority going to drivers of work vehicles.

Mr Steele added: "In general most businesses in Swansea have willingly taken the advice regarding the new legislation and complied with the new requirements."

In the pipeline

Mr Le Masurier was also ordered to pay £75 costs.

His solicitor told the court Le Masurier had no quarrel with the smoking ban and it was enforced when he was present.

But the day officers visited the pub the landlord was away.

An assembly government spokesman said: "We are aware that two local authorities have prosecutions in the pipeline, but based on the most recent statistics received from local authorities, this is the first prosecution we are aware of to go through the courts and where a judgement has been reached on failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place.

"Our aim has been to work closely with businesses and the public to encourage compliance and support for the ban."