Licensee fined under new smokefree legislation
A Carnforth landlady has been fined after admitting that she did not prevent a woman lighting a cigarette in her pub.
A Carnforth landlady has been fined after admitting that she did not prevent a woman lighting a cigarette in her pub.
Rozalynd Muriel Boyd appeared in court on Friday charged with failing to prevent smoking at the Queen's Hotel on Market Street in Carnforth.
Mrs Boyd pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court heard that an anonymous complaint was made to Lancaster City Council's Environmental Health service in January 2008 alleging that smoking was taking place in the pub.
A letter was sent to Mrs Boyd, licensee of the Queen's Hotel, to advise her that a complaint had been made and advising her of her responsibilities under the law.
Following a further allegation that smoking was still taking place on the premises an environmental health officer visited the Queen's Hotel on February 13 2008 and noticed a woman lighting a cigarette on the premises.
Following Friday's court appearance Mrs Boyd was fined £100 and ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £250.
Coun David Kerr, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health, said: "The honeymoon period for smoking in public places and workplaces is over. The council will be taking enforcement action if further complaints made to the council are found to be justified. Smokers themselves will also be served with £50 fixed penalty notices if found smoking in public places, workplaces and work vehicles such as vans and taxis."
Court proceedings were brought against Mrs Boyd under the smokefree legislation which came into force on July 1 2007. The new laws made it illegal to smoke in enclosed public places such as pubs and restaurants.
With regards to pubs it is the responsibility of the person who controls or is concerned in the management of the pub to prevent smoking on their premises.
Lancaster City Council is responsible for upholding the regulations and would prefer to work with businesses to ensure the law is followed.
However, where there are breaches the council is prepared to prosecute.
Date Updated: 19/03/09