The landlord of The Black Dog micropub in Whitstable has apologised after telling dog owners not to bring their pets during busy periods.

Mike McWilliam made the plea to customers explaining he was at risk of being sued if drinkers fell over a dog in the pub.

He posted on Facebook: "A quick note to dog owners: if the pub is busy please don't come in with your dog. Big or small they are a trip hazard.

"Some of my customers have impaired sight and if someone trips over and hits the slate floor headfirst who is going to get sued?...me.

"I have yet to see a dog in the pub that looks like it is enjoying the experience.

"It is a very small and confined space; please get your heads around this fact."

The comments led to an angry backlash from both customers and dog owners unhappy at the publican's choice of words.

Steve Szmidt responded: "Was looking forward to coming to your pub. Not with my dog, but not so sure now with the negativity towards dogs and their owners, which I am finding hard to get my head around!"

Phil Elliott said: "Rename your pub the 'No black dog, or any other colour for that matter'. It'll keep the sign-writer happy, if nobody else. I will spend my brass elsewhere from now on."

But some users defended Mr McWilliam saying he is entitled to run his business his way and that the request was not unreasonable.

Ann Davies posted: "Oh for god sake, give the guy a break. It's a small place. There are lots of big dogs in the bubble. The guy is trying to run a business. Come on...go to neppy with dogs and kids."

"Rename your pub the 'No black dog, or any other colour for that matter'. It'll keep the sign-writer happy, if nobody else..." - Phil Elliott

After more than 50 comments, Mr McWilliam posted again to apologise for the tone of his message but maintained dogs could present a safety hazard.

He posted: "I regret the tone I used but that aside all I said was no dogs when the pub is busy. NOT 'No dogs'. The pub is a tiny space relative to the pubs we are all used to (and used to taking our dogs to).

"I just don't want to see dogs being trodden on, being exposed to broken glass, being stressed by crowds and nor do I want people tripping and falling hard onto a stone floor. I don't want my staff tripping whilst carrying glass.

"Judging by some of the comments, I was going to get it in the neck about something/anything at some point anyway."

The High Street pub opened on September 22 and is Whitstable town centre's first micropub.