The second landlord to be taken to court for violating the smoking ban received his summons yesterday and, if found guilty, could pay a fine of £16,500.

Nick Hogan, the owner of the Swan Hotel and Barristers Bar in Bolton will appear before magistrates in the North-west on 14 September. He faces nine charges, five of failing to prevent people from smoking in his pubs and four of obstructing council officers.

Hogan joins Hamish Howitt, the Blackpool landlord of the Happy Scots Bar, who faces fines of up to £42,500.

Hogan told Bolton News: “I'm over the moon that I've finally received my summons and we can now get on with the court process. I will be defending all of the charges vigorously.”

Bolton council would not comment any further stating the case was “now a legal matter”.

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Read full report on thisislancashre.co.uk >>

By Christopher Walton

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