Landlord faces trial in Smoking Case...

A BLACKPOOL pub owner accused of flouting the new ban on smoking in public places has made his second appearance in court.

Hugh Howitt, 55, known as Hamish and boss of the Happy Scots Bar on Rigby Road, previously pleaded not guilty to 12 offences of failing to prevent smoking in a smoke free premises. The prosecution - the first of its kind in England since smoking was banned in all enclosed public spaces in the UK - is being brought by Blackpool Council under the Heath Act 2006. Howitt's wife, son and bar manager all pleaded not guilty to charges against them of failing to prevent smoking. His wife Joanne, 41, denied one offence, son Hugh,37, and bar manager Warren Thompson, 25, both denied two offences. All the offences are said to have taken place between July 1 and July 27 . The case was adjourned by Blackpool magistrates to September 5 to fix a trial date.