A drinker from Stafford is among the first in the country taken to court accused of ignoring the smoking ban in a pub.

David Cookson, aged 49, of St Peter’s Gardens, Stafford, was arrested at the Royal Oak pub in Rising Brook on suspicion of assaulting another customer and ignoring requests to stop smoking in the pub.

Police were called to the Wolverhampton Road pub – also known locally as the Why Not – by the licensee just days  after the July 1 ban came into force.

Cookson was questioned at Stafford police station, and bailed to appear before magistrates yesterday.

He appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court charged with assault and smoking in a smoke-free place – contrary to section 7 of the Health Act 2006.

His case has been adjourned until Monday, August 13.

Will Conaghan, spokesman for Stafford Borough Council, said: “We were made aware of the situation by the police as it is a police matter.

“Our approach will continue to be one of advice and information. 

“Prosecution would only be used when all other avenues have been exhausted.

“We have carried out around 300 visits to premises so far and encountered no problems with compliance of the new legislation.”