A pub licensee in Bolton who is to appear in court for disobeying the new smoking ban could lose his pub, it has emerged.
According to the Bolton News Nick Hogan, who is to appear before magistrates on September 14th, has had the freehold of his pub bought by a local rival.
Darren Miller, owner of the Flying Flute in Bradshawgate, told the newspaper that he will take ownership of the pub on September 21st despite claims from Mr Hogan that no such deal has been made.
"I have exchanged contracts and no matter what Nick Hogan says, he won't be there then. There are two courses of action open to him and if he takes the wrong one, he could end up with nothing," he said.
He added that the Swan had the best outdoor smoking area of any pub in the town centre and he fully intended to make use of this.
Meanwhile the newspaper reports that Mr Hogan has continued to contest the ownership saying that he has accepted no offer.
Last week the Publican reported that Herefordshire licensee Tony Blows could face prosecution from his local council for breaking the laws on smoking.
He told the newspaper: "My argument is that this is private property. It's my home and I can do what I like in it."
