Hamish Howitt, who has been allowing smoking at his Happy Scots Bar in Blackpool, has received a vote of no confidence from the pubwatch group he chaired.

The vote was taken by members of Blackpool

& Fylde Pubwatch shortly after Blackpool City Council raised concerns over the direction and leadership of the group.

He has been temporarily replaced by John Farrell, who was formerly vice-chairman. Farrell said: "It's now a

matter of getting back on good terms with the council and the police - we need

their support.

"The pubwatch could not function under Hamish.

We have to be seen to obey the law."

His case was recently adjourned at Blackpool court due to lack of legal representation, but he faced court again on 15 August.

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