The two owners of a cafe in Groningen appeared in court on Monday for breaking the smoking ban, reports news agency Novum.

It is the first time a cafe owner has been brought to court since the ban was introduced in July 2008.
Many owners of small cafes have been flouting the ban, but until now they have only received relatively small fines. The Groningen cafe has already been fined six times for allowing its customers to smoke.
If found guilty, the owners face fines of up to €18,500 and the possible closure of their premises.