Sponsored by
Pub used as a 'speakeasy' for smokers
A Lancashire pub gave the impression it was being used as a 'speakeasy' for smokers, a court was told.
Officials carrying out a routine night-time inspection of The Huntsman in Freckleton Street, Kirkham, found a haze of smoke in the air inside the pub.
There were 21 people inside the premises, one openly smoking a cigarette, plus ashtrays with cigarette ends on tables and shelves.
Landlord, Jonathan Marshall, 48, of Church Road, Thornton Cleveleys, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to failing to stop a person smoking in smoke-free premises.
He was fined 80 with 50 costs and ordered to pay the 15 victims' surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.
Ian Curtis, prosecuting for Fylde Council, said on Friday January 9 this year at 11.30pm a council licensing officer and a police sergeant visited The Huntsman.
They found the door closed and the curtains drawn, but voices and music could be heard inside.
A sergeant asked to come in and, when Marshall asked why, said that it was a routine inspection.
The prosecutor added: "The officers immediately noticed the smoky air.
"There were ashtrays on tables and shelves with cigarette ends in them and one person was smoking a cigarette.
"The officers were given the impression the premises were being used as some sort of speakeasy for smokers."
Marshall told magistrates: "I did not realise I was breaking the law as the door was shut and the pumps were off.
"I now know you cannot smoke in licensed premises at any time."
Speakeasys evolved in America and were places where customers could drink alcohol, usually behind locked doors, during the Prohibition years when drink was banned.
>> Vote in our latest web poll
National sport on TV: Premier League highlights for free
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Preston
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
