A former pub landlord and UKIP member yesterday became the first person to be jailed in connection with the smoking ban.

Nick Hogan was sentenced to six months in prison for refusing to pay a fine imposed for flouting the legislation.

Two years ago Hogan, who ran two pubs in Bolton, became the first landlord convicted of breaking the law for allowing his customers to routinely light up in his bars.

"Nick is a good friend to a number of us in Young Independence and it is disgusting that he has been jailed for allowing his customers and friends to smoke in his pub", said YI Chairman Michael Heaver.

"The UKIP policy of letting landlords decide and making the case for well-ventilated smoking rooms is one of common sense. While the old parties talk of saving the pub industry, they have effectively given many pubs a death sentence by causing a loss of business thanks to backing the compulsory implementation of banning smoking in pubs."

John Tennant, a researcher in Brussels for UKIP, also knew Mr. Hogan and was equally disgusted by the jail sentence.

"Nick Hogan is a man of principle, and will not let any government tell him how to run his business - perhaps his example is one of silencing freedom to choose".