Four charges of breaching anti-smoking legislation have been dropped against a husband and wife who become the first publicans in Norfolk to be prosecuted under the new laws.

Four charges of breaching anti-smoking legislation have been dropped against a husband and wife who become the first publicans in Norfolk to be prosecuted under the new laws.

Martin and Karen Turver, licensees of the Dog and Partridge at East Wretham, challenged the introduction of a nationwide smoking ban last year, describing it as a blatant infringement of civil liberties.

They entered pleas through their solicitor at Thetford Magistrates' Court to 15 counts of breaching the law on three occasions last year.

Yesterday, at a hearing before Swaffham magistrates, Lloyd Gibson, for Breckland Council, said it had decided to drop three counts of failing to prevent smoking last August 4 against Turver and one against his wife for refusing to stub out in a smoke-free place.

The couple had pleaded not guilty.

But the pair will face prosecution for another 11 counts to which they had pleaded guilty.

Landlord Turver, 49, admitted failing to prevent smoking on the premises once on July 25 and twice on August 31, lighting up in the smoke-free place and obstructing an authorised Breckland officer on the same day.

Karen Turver, 43, admitted six counts of failing to prevent smoking on July 25 and on August 4 and 31.

The couple, who have run the pub for more than 18 months, were not present yesterday and the case was adjourned to May 9, when it will be heard by magistrates at King's Lynn.

Meanwhile, Ian Ohlson, who lives at the Dog and Partridge, is also accused of smoking in a smoke-free place on August 31. He is to appear at the Swaffham court on April 8.

Under the legislation that came into force on July 1 last year, landlords can face a fine of up to £2,500 for failing to stop smoking in enclosed public spaces and individuals can receive a £50 fixed-penalty notice.