Grandad builds his own 90-seat pub to beat the smoking ban

Last updated at 23:49pm on 2nd April 2007
Comments (20)

A grandfather was so outraged by a Wales-wide ban on smoking in public places he built his own private pub.


Property developer Kerry Morgan, 50, feared the simple pleasure of smoking and drinking a pint was about to disappear forever.

As a result he built an extension to his home, in Briton Ferry, Neath, south Wales, and transformed his garden into a substantial public house.



Now the 90-seater boozer is his own personal refuge from a smoking ban which came into force across Wales on Monday.

Punters caught flouting the new law, which has taken effect three months earlier than in England, face a £50 fine.

But friends and family of Mr Morgan can puff away regardless, safe in the knowledge they are perfectly legal.

While set up as a protest against the ban, Mr Morgan charges nothing, and does not allow the general public inside.



The pub was started a year ago in anticipation of today's ban, but originally had room for just 50 people.

But the private watering hole proved so popular he has since extended it to its present 90-seater size.

Anyone wandering in from outside by mistake could be forgiven for confusing the private venue for an authentic pub.

Boasting a wide screen TV, juke box and bar with draught beers and lagers it is even named the Malcolm Davies Bar after a deceased friend.

"To all intents and purposes, it is a pub," Mr Morgan said.

"Once you sit in there, you could be in any other pub - except everything is free.

"It's 100 per cent a stand against the ban - I don't make any money out of it. "I would rather do that than be dictated to about not smoking in pubs. The ban is over the top as far as I'm concerned, and the same goes for my friends. It really annoyed me - so I decided to build a pub on the side of the house."

"When I go for a few beers, the first thing I do is relax with a cigarette. A pint of beer and cigarette go hand-in-hand.

"I work hard all week and want to go out and enjoy myself and relax as I choose."

Great story. Nice looking pub. But did you see some of the comments? My God. Anti-tobacco has sure succeeded in creating monsters.

I tryed posting a comment in the comment section it appears that it went through but it hasn't regsistered that there is a new comment..I think there are a lot of possitive comments being sent in and only the neg ones are showing up thats sensoring for ya

My own Gramps had a similar set-up in his own basement. Mostly to avoid morons.

Smoke-easies and garage bars are popping up almost the instant bans go into effect. Then the antis act all surprised.

At least this guy is doing something.

Look at that picture! Every smile a genuine smile, not a pose for picture smile, but a genuine smile! (OK, maybe the lady in front is giving a picture smile.)

I've been to the UK a few times. Once, I got off the bus after about 20 hours of travelling, called my ride at a pay phone, and ducked into a pub to wait. I ordered a pint of Stella with lime and sat at a counter on the window. I was full of fatigue and that beer hit my empty stomach and I smoked a cigarette and I'd finally arrived. A little rain fell on the empty English street outside. That was one of the best smokes I've ever had.

God bless that guy! Nothing makes me happier than to see someone privately improvising ways around all of this stupidity.

"I work hard all week and just want to go out and enjoy myself and relax as I choose."
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"Smokers with attitude like this "Grandad" are the reason bans are in place".

- Sabrina, Rochester, NY, US