TEN smokers have been fined by Kirklees health inspectors in a crackdown on smoking in pubs.

And three pub landlords face prosecution in court after allegedly flouting the no smoking rule in their pubs.

They could be fined up to £2,500 each.

The moves follow the first coordinated raids on pubs by Kirklees Council environmental health officers and the police.

They carried out a joint operation and visited local pubs.

It is believed the teams had been given tip-offs about smoking taking place in several pubs.

The action saw a number of pubs in the Batley and Birstall area visited in the drive to stamp out illegal smoking.

Ten people were found to be smoking and were given fixed-penalty notices, each carrying a £50 fine.

The landlords of three pubs – The Wilton Arms and Bridge Hotel on Bradford Road, Batley; The Old Wine and Spirit Vaults, Birstall; and the Hare and Hounds at Birstall – will be reported for allowing smoking on the premises.

The maximum fine on conviction is £2,500.

Clr Christine Iredale, who chairs Kirklees’s Licensing Committee, said: “Smoking in public houses is illegal and the council has the responsibility for enforcing the law.

“The vast majority of pub landlords and managers are complying with this legislation, in the same way as they co-operate and comply with other licensing regulations and laws that affect their businesses.

“We are working closely with colleagues in the West Yorkshire Police and will continue to do so.

“I would urge publicans to make sure they do not allow their customers to smoke on their premises.

If they do, they face heavy financial consequences,” she added.

Insp Neil Money, of Kirklees Police, said: “As part of the Government crack down on drink-related anti-social behaviour we are working closely with partner agencies to police the laws that relate to all licensed premises.

“By entering these premises with Kirklees Council officials we can also monitor whether the licensee is complying with other legislation in relation to the premises, especially concerning under-age persons being on premises drinking.’’