SMOKER ARRESTED FOR LIGHTING UP

A man has been arrested for refusing to put out his cigarette in a bar just one day after England became subject to new smoking laws.

Heavy smoker Martin Whisker, 42, was arrested after lighting up in Scarborough's Riskers bar in Scarborough. Staff called the police after Mr Whisker became aggressive after being warned not to smoke a number of times.

Bar owner Paul Risker said an officer took the cigarette from Mr Whisker's mouth, snapped it in half, dropped it on the floor and stamped on it.

He was fined £80 for being drunk and disorderly and held in a police cell.

Mr Risker said regulars had a whip-round in an ashtray to help pay the fine.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said Mr Whisker was fined for being drunk and disorderly. He may still receive a separate fine for unlawful smoking in a public place.

Police said smoking fines are the responsibility of the local authorities and are not considered a police matter.