A KENT publican has been fined £200 for failing to display “no smoking” signs in his pub.

Licensing officers from Thanet Council visited The Queen’s Head pub in Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, at 9.50pm on February 15, during routine licensing enforcement visits with the police.

When they found no “no smoking” signs on display in the Thorley Taverns-owned pub, officers issued the designated premises supervisor Ben Garratt with a Fixed Penalty Notice, and also gave him appropriate signage to display in his bar so as to comply with the legislation.

The fine will be reduced to £150 if it is paid within 15 days.

Mr Garratt is the first person in Thanet to receive a penalty notice for contravening the smoke-free legislation.

Cllr Jo Gideon, cabinet member for safer neighbourhoods, health and communities, said: "This is a strong reminder that anyone who is responsible for a business premises now also has a responsibility to ensure that “no smoking” signs are displayed clearly.

“If they fail to do so, then they are likely to face a fine under the smoke-free legislation, as happened in this case."