Man cautioned over tobacco in Ayr pub

Jan 2 2009

A MAN was caught selling dodgy tobacco in an Ayr pub.

And landlords have been warned that they face the full wrath of the law if they let the same thing happen in their bars.

An undercover investigator from Imperial Tobacco was sent to the pub following repeated complaints from members of the public.

He was shocked to be sold the dodgy tobacco within minutes of arriving and disappointed that the person behind the bar pointed out the man willing to sell.

South Ayrshire’s licensing standards officer Catrina Andrew said: “The board has shown in the recent past it will take strong action against licensees who flout either the Code of Practice or indeed the licensing act or other laws.”

Ms Andrew insists that the behaviour is a flagrant disregard for the principles behind new Scottish licensing act.

She added: “Licensees in the vast majority trade fairly and act as the eyes and ears of authorities by reporting crime wherever they see it.

“This instance is a throwback to the days when some pubs were seen as a haven for dodgy deals and shady characters.

“Licensing will work closely with our enforcement colleagues at Trading Standards and the police to make sure all licensed premises are safe and free from any criminal activity.”

The seller has been issued with an official warning and the landlord received a caution.