A popular new Inverness pub is to be probed by Highland Council over concerns it does not comply with the smoking ban.
Encore Une Fois has an unusual smoking area, with a room facing onto Young Street with no wall, allowing it to be open to the elements.
The bar and restaurant has passed building standards and licensing checks – but now Highland Council’s environmental health team have said they will visit to assess “potential issues” with the smoking area.
Encore Une Fois’s general manager Ronan Fahy said yesterday that he was “confident” that there was no issues with the smoking area, which boasts tables, chairs and even a fire for warmth.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “Environmental health lead on smoking ban enforcement which includes assessing if smoking areas comply with relevant guidance.
“We are aware of potential issues with the smoking area at this establishment and a visit has been arranged to assess compliance. We can confirm no enforcement action specific to this matter has been taken to date.”
The bar recently opened in the premises formerly known as The Karma Lounge and Barbazza.
It has been extensively revamped by its current owners, including the unusual new smoking area.
Mr Fahy said: “We have been signed off by building control and we have now got the paperwork through from the LSO (licensing standards officer).
“That’s all done and dusted but I know we’re due a visit from Environmental Health.”
He added that the smoking area was equipped with sensors to detect smoke, while a barrier prevented people from spilling out onto the pavement while using the facility.
Smoking was banned in enclosed public places Scotland in 2006 by the then Scottish Executive.
Individual councils are responsible for enforcing the ban which includes all pubs and restaurants and other public places.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said each local authority sets individual guidelines in place for smoking areas and are responsible for enforcing and administering permissions to the premises.