John Garrod, landlord of the Hope Inn in Hythe, Kent, has prohibited smoking throughout the pub, including its beer garden and patio area.

The 72 year old non-smoker believes this move will appeal to those who wish to enjoy their food or drink outdoors without being surrounded by second-hand smoke. However, the announcement has sparked controversy, with some locals labelling it 'woke' and expressing their dislike for being 'nannied'.

Despite this, Mr Garrod stands by his decision, which he thinks could be a first in the UK, saying that his pub is more of a dining venue than a drinking one.

He said: "You only need one person to be smoking a cigarette and their smoke is wafting over several other people, which makes it slightly less pleasant than it would otherwise be

"So, the obvious action to take is to stop smoking within the garden, for the comfort of the majority."

He also noted that due to the demographic they cater to, most of their customers are diners rather than drinkers, and few of them smoke.

He said: "Through the summer, the garden gets very, very busy with people eating."

It's worth noting that while smoking was banned inside pubs and restaurants across most of the UK in 2007, the rules did not extend to outdoor spaces such as beer gardens.

Last year, officials toyed with the idea of extending the existing smoking ban to encompass outdoor areas but promptly dropped the notion amid intense resistance from the hospitality sector.

In defiance of Labour's reversal on the notion of an al fresco smoking prohibition, Mr Garrod of the Hope Inn took a stand, instituting a policy that compels patrons to exit the premises to indulge in a cigarette.

The Hope Inn diverges from other British taverns, eschewing any designated smoking sections; Mr Garrod made it clear - those unwilling to adhere to the new regulation will be amiably reminded to desist or to take their custom to alternative nearby establishments more accommodating of smokers.

Mr Garrod said: "It's completely their choice.

"There are some good pubs in the area, which I reckon is where the drinkers and the smokers go."

Discussing his clientele, he noted: "We don't really have many people that drink without eating, and we don't have the 'five-pints-a-night' guys or anything like that.

"It's not our style, and we're probably a bit expensive if you're only drinking, to be honest with you."

Folkestone and Hythe statistics from 2023 indicated an 18.9 per cent adult smoking rate - the highest in Kent, significantly surpassing the national average near 12 per cent.

Predictably, the reveal of Mr Garrod's smoke-free initiative sparked discontent once aired online.

Sara Hopper, a patron, expressed her disillusionment: "That's a shame John! You know I love your pub, but I think that'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! Ridiculous!".

Non-smoker Debbie Marsh also voiced her disapproval, saying: "I've never smoked in my life, but I don't agree with that.

"Not in the garden - you could lose a lot of customers."

Sophie Pendragon chimed in on the issue: "One of my few joys left is a cigarette and a glass of wine in a pub garden.

"My garden is a cheaper option anyway, but I liked helping our local businesses."

The phrase "Go woke, go broke." succinctly encapsulated Andy Heath's take on the situation.

However, Ann Longstaff was among those applauding the pub for its stance, affirming: "This is a great decision.

"Some smokers are selfish and don't care who they puff their smoke at!

"A lot of people sit outside in the lovely garden area, not just smokers, just to enjoy the nicer weather and sunshine, with their dogs after a nice walk, for example, so I don't see what's 'woke' about it."

Despite opposing views, pub owner Mr Garrod stands firm, comforted by the support he has garnered both online and face-to-face.

He's optimistic that the policy will entice more new customers than it alienates among the existing clientele.

"Some people don't understand it, although a lot of smokers do understand it and are very agreeable with it," said Mr Garrod.

He concluded, pointing out a sensory blind spot for smokers: "But smokers don't smell smoke, so they don't appreciate the discomfort other people are going through."

According to Mr. Garrod: "The overwhelming majority of people are non-smokers and would rather not have smoke drifting over them while they're eating."

He expects the move to boost business: "I think we'll probably gain business over it."

However, he acknowledges that the decision comes with a cost, saying: "There are some very, very nice customers that we have that do smoke, and I'm sad to lose them."

Ultimately, Mr. Garrod prioritizes appealing to the broader customer base: "But I'm a business, and I need to attract the majority of people, not the minority."

He anticipates that his pub may be a trailblazer, but others will likely follow suit: "I think we may be the first to do it, but we won't be the last."

Mr. Garrod thinks that, in the absence of legislation, pubs will diverge into two types: "If it's voluntary and not legislation, I think some pubs will be non-smoking gardens and some pubs will be drinkers' and smokers' pubs.

"And I think that's perfectly fine."

Whilst smoking is now banned, vaping is affected by the new rule for now.

Mr Garrod, whose wife Noiy runs the pub's adjoining Thai street food restaurant, believes vaping is less intrusive, but says he will 'see how it goes'.