Hythe pub sparks fierce debate after owner bans outdoor smoking and insists clean air will attract more patrons despite losing smokers

While the UK government recently backed away from enforcing a ban on smoking in beer gardens, one pub owner decided not to wait for legislation.

John Garrod, 72, who runs The Hope Inn in Hythe, Kent, has stirred the pot by becoming the first landlord in the country to voluntarily ban smoking in his pub’s garden.

His decision has ignited a local debate — with supporters calling it a breath of fresh air, and critics accusing him of overstepping.

Why Ban Smoking Outdoors? One Landlord’s Perspective

John Garrod isn’t a smoker himself, and that’s part of what motivated his decision.

He believes that smoke drifting around diners and drinkers outside can ruin the experience for the majority — who, he argues, are non-smokers.

“Most people don’t want to sit next to someone puffing away while they eat their meal or sip their pint,” Garrod explained.

“Smokers might not notice it, but for non-smokers, it can be really unpleasant.”

He also hinted that this might actually help his business in the long run: “I think we might gain customers from this.”

Social Media Pushback: ‘Don’t Nanny Us!’

Not everyone is thrilled about the change.

Regular customers didn’t hold back on social media, accusing Garrod of being too controlling.

“You know I love your pub, John, but that’s crazy,” wrote loyal customer Sarah Hopper on Facebook.

“Why shouldn’t I enjoy a ciggy in the garden with my £6 pint? I work hard not to be nannied!”

Others echoed the sentiment, accusing him of jumping on a “woke” bandwagon.

One commenter even quipped, “Go woke, go broke,” while some non-smokers also expressed concern that the move might alienate loyal customers.

Not All Doom and Gloom: Some Say ‘It’s About Time’

Despite the backlash, Garrod isn’t entirely alone.

A number of patrons praised the decision, even some who smoke themselves.

“Good,” wrote Roy Jones. “Smoking is smelly and anti-social — it affects everyone around them.”

Another regular, Terry McAllister, who smokes, supported Garrod too: “It’s his pub, and he probably discussed it with the regulars. If he wants to ban smoking outside, that’s his right.”

Garrod acknowledged that some of his regular smoking customers might stop coming.

“I’m sad to lose a few very lovely people,” he admitted.

“But as a businessman, I’ve got to focus on what the majority of people want.”

A Shift in Culture or a Risky Business Decision?

Garrod’s decision comes shortly after the government scrapped plans to impose a nationwide ban on outdoor smoking in pub gardens.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting had initially backed the idea as part of a broader goal to build a “smoke-free generation.”

But after pushback from hospitality industry leaders, the plan was shelved.

“People don’t want to see their high streets dying,” Streeting said.

“We can still push public health goals without harming jobs and businesses.”

And that’s no small concern — pub numbers across the UK have been shrinking steadily.

In just a decade, the number of operating pubs fell from over 41,000 in 2013 to just above 38,000 by 2023.

What’s Next for British Pubs?

With pressures mounting on pub owners post-lockdown — from rising costs to dwindling foot traffic — choices like Garrod’s might mark a new era of tough calls in the industry.

Will more pubs follow his lead and ban smoking in their outdoor spaces?

Or will the backlash be enough to scare others off?

Only time — and perhaps a few pints — will tell.