Bacup pub smokers targeted by yobs

4:48pm Sunday 22nd June 2008

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By Peter Magill »

A PUB which has waged war on the Government's controversial smoking crackdown claims punters who go outside to smoke are being targeted by drunken yobs.

Publican Terry Egan, of the Swan Hotel, in Market Street, Bacup, made national headlines when he presented a petition to Parliament, through Rossendale MP Janet Anderson, protesting against laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces.

The landlord, backed by 93 of his regulars, claimed that trade had dropped by 40 per cent since the smoking purge began last July.

Now the licensee has asked Rossendale Council for permission to retain a shelter at the side of The Swan which he says is essential to protect his customers against problem youths in the area.

Mr Egan, through his planning agent Ben Edmondson, says that regulars have been standing outside the premises to enjoy a smoke, since the ban was introduced.

But Mr Edmonson says: "The reason behind the structure is due to the increased damage and vandalism the applicant has faced over recent months, ever since the adjacent 24-hour garage was granted a 24-hour alcohol licence.

"He has also wanted a safe and secure place for smoking customers to go since the Government's smoking ban has come into force.

"They have been smoking on the street outside the front door.

"However, they increasingly feel unsafe from youths attending the 24-hour garage buying alcohol."

The side-shelter also incorporates the pub's beer drop', the traditional opening leading to the cellar, which Mr Egan says has also come under attack.

Mr Edmondson adds: "The beer drop has had to be secured as the applicant has had vandals trying to get into the cellar via the beer drop to steal his stock."

Councillors have been told that an enforcement notice has been served on the pub, regarding the unauthorised erection of the shelter, which has been put on hold pending the outcome of the planning application.

The pub's smoking petition, which was said to have the support of both smokers and non-smokers, was raised after concerns that it was also damaging the social atmosphere at the Bacup hostelry, as around a third of customers had stopped visiting the premises.