A PUB landlord has become Britain’s first to ban smoking in his boozer’s garden.
John Garrod has barred punters from lighting up anywhere on the premises of The Hope Inn.
The non-smoker, 72, reckons second-hand smoke puts customers off their meals at the boozer in Hythe, Kent.
But locals say they do not want to be “nannied”.
Punter Sara Hopper said: “It’s crazy. Why shouldn’t I enjoy a ciggie in the garden with my £6 pint? It’s not harming anyone else. I work hard not to be nannied.”
Sophie Pendragon said she would boycott the boozer, adding: “My garden’s a cheaper option, but I liked helping local businesses.”
Non-smoker Debbie Marsh said the pub would “lose a lot of customers”. Andy Heath blasted: “Go woke, go broke”.
Defending his move, John said: “Smokers don’t smell smoke, so they don’t appreciate the discomfort other people are going through.
“The overwhelming majority are non-smokers and would rather not have smoke drifting over them while they’re eating.
“I think we’ll probably gain business over it.”
Smoking was banned in UK pubs in 2007, but not their gardens.
A government plan to extend it to outdoor areas was axed in November after a fierce response from the hospitality industry.
John Garrod and wife Noiy at smoke-free boozer The Hope InnSWNS Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
