A landlord has banned vaping in his pub because he doesn’t want customers to be put off their Sunday lunches.

Signs have been put up at The Three Horseshoes in Hernhill, between Faversham and Canterbury, warning people that puffing away on the devices while inside is no longer permitted.

The move by Maurice ‘Mossy’ O’Flynn, who took over the historic Shepherd Neame establishment in August last year, has been praised by punters.

Mr O’Flynn told KentOnline he has become sick of the smell of some vapes - and doesn’t see why only cigarette smokers should be forced outside.

He said: “We were here on a busy Sunday, and somebody was vaping at the bar so I said, ‘Look, that's it, we've got to stop’ and the following Monday, we put the signs up.

“I don't want my customers leaving and not coming back because of something we've neglected to do.

“If I was in a restaurant or pub and I was having a meal, I wouldn't want vaping allowed or someone vaping in close proximity.

“Some of the odours coming from certain flavours are quite horrible.

“Smokers have to go out in the weather to smoke. I don't see why vapers shouldn't have to do the same thing.

“I think it's just common decency, to be honest.”

The ban on smoking in pubs, clubs, restaurants and various other venues came into effect on July 1, 2007.

But despite the recent emergence of vapes as a substitute for cigarettes, legislation has yet to be drafted which would see it treated in the same way.

So with no legal restrictions against vaping in enclosed public spaces, it is up to landlords whether or not to ban it. Wetherspoon and Greene King are among the operators which already prohibit the use of the devices in their establishments.

According to statistics from the Action on Smoking and Health group, more than 4.7 million people in Great Britain vape – with over half of those being ex-smokers.

Since bringing the restriction in, Mr O’Flynn says he’s yet to face any backlash.

“We haven't seen anybody vaping since so, generally speaking, people are understanding of it,” said the landlord, who is a smoker himself.

The government have put forward proposals to ban the sale of disposable vapes - but Mr O’Flynn thinks legislation should also be updated to no longer allow the use of e-cigarettes in pubs.

“I think all non-smokers will back me up on that,” he said.

“You've got to adhere to the overwhelming majority and I would say the majority of people don't wish to have somebody vaping while they're either enjoying a drink or a meal.

“I remember the bad old days of walking into a pub – particularly a pub this small - and your eyes almost burning with the amount of smoke in the pub.”

Mr O’Flynn’s decision has received the backing of most customers on social media.

One woman said: "Well done to the Three Horseshoes for taking a stand.”

Another wrote: "Well done! Any smoking, including e-cigs, forces those who just want to breathe air into breathing fumes from another person's habit.”

It’s not just pubs and restaurants that can prohibit the use of vapes.

Using the devices is also banned on Southeastern trains, Stagecoach buses and in Cineworld cinemas.

Built in 1690, The Three Horseshoes is one of Kent’s oldest pubs and even predates Shepherd Neame, which was officially founded in 1698.

The village tavern has been under the banner of the brewery for 275 years.