Pubs in Wigan are being warned not to organise so- called "smoke-ins" – or face prosecution.
A new trend has replaced the traditional pub lock-ins since the 24-hour licensing laws were introduced, with boozers instead lighting up after hours.
Closed windows at some pubs in Oldham have been steaming up with smoke after the doors shut at 11
pm – as pub landlords flout the new smoking rules. Environmental health officers in the area swooped on a number of pubs and issued fixed penalty notices against two drinkers caught smoking and they are now considering action against the licensees.
So far drinkers have not been caught dragging out their time in the boozers in Wigan – but the licensing manager at Wigan Town Hall, Maurice Dearden, warned if they are caught breaking the law they would be penalised.
Mr Dearden said: "We have no evidence that this is happening in this area. If it is we will look into it because they are breaking the law."
Figures released after last year's smoking ban introduction revealed noisy smokers had led to a huge increase in complaints about pubs in Wigan.
After the ban was introduced more people than ever were moaning about noise levels, intimidation and health and safety. Wigan Council normally receives 400 complaints in 12 months but by the end of
September the year-on-year figure had jumped by more than 100.
The full article contains 237 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
