Should dogs be banned from pubs at Christmas? Yes and no

We Brits are creatures of habit who don't need an excuse to go to the pub, but if one presents itself, we welcome it with open arms.

I think my first 'Christmas bev' of 2025 was back in October, which screams volumes.

Now just days away from the big day, you can expect your local to get busier and busier as the days roll by.

And that now begs a bigger question, should dogs be allowed in pubs around Christmas time?

It's an age-old debate that few can rarely agree on at the best of times, but at Christmas, the question becomes divisive.

One user on X recently said: "Pubs in Scotland need to understand that allowing dogs in does not mean that every single dog has to be allowed in. One of the most common ar*****e behaviours in pubs now is bringing massive excitable dogs into tiny, rammed boozers and I've never seen anyone get punted for it".

I'm all for dogs in pubs, not sure they need a barstool though pic.twitter.com/0r3fyHSTOi

— BND For All 🌞 (@BigNonVeganDave) October 8, 2025

Reasons for letting dogs in pubs:

They're dogs. C'mon!

Seeing a cheeky spaniel or grinning labrador could raise the spirits (no pun intended) of even the most morose barfly.

I've been in many pubs over the years where I openly admit preferring the company of a cuddly canine over some similarly drooling 50-something trying to show me Jay-Jay Okocha highlights on YouTube.

Leave me be and let me pet Fido.

I'm from a very pro-pup village. Dog treats in huge jars align the end of most bars and dog bowls are always on hand. Even the staff seem to be hired based on their affinity towards our four-legged friends.

Muddy walks and then a trip to the pub is a Christmas tradition for a lot of people around here. It's a pastime all year round in fact.

Dogs are regarded as that extra family member that doesn't get the rounds in (you know who you are), so for that matter, surely they deserve a trip to the pub as well?

Reasons against letting dogs in pubs:

They're dogs. C'mon?

Alright, I'll admit, a lot of people aren't 'dog people' and some might even have allergies towards them, which makes the above argument seem somewhat redundant.

A lot of dogs can be a pain in the posterior and often bark loudly and jump, in some more serious cases, they might even bite.

It's good and well saying: "Well, mine would never," but you can't say that for everyone and every dog, sadly.

In certain pubs, people want to go there and eat. Mixing that environment with a couple of Irish Wolfhounds towering over your table and staring down at your pork chop, in that case, might put you off.

Similarly, a mastiff staring up at you and growling at every mouthful you take. I want to enjoy my lunch, not fear I'm about to become it.

Dogs in pubs👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/OgG99G3GH4

— MD (@Dent0n_) October 11, 2025

Should dogs be allowed in pubs?

All in all, yes, I do.

But I do agree that the onus is on dog owners to make sure non-dog lovers aren't disturbed. If your dog is a little menace, then perhaps think twice.

There is definitely a disparity between dog-loving pubs in cities as opposed to rural towns and villages and it's clear to see why.

Rural pubs simply cater better to dogs and perhaps that is why I'm biased.

If you're going for food with a dog-friendly side as well as a dog-free zone, surely everyone is happy?

If the pub is just a, well, pub, that doesn't do food, then I think dogs should enjoy the festivities as much as us, provided the pub has space.

No one wants to stamp on a Chihu...excuse me, no one wants to stamp on a Dachshund, do they? Not at Christmas.

Watch your step and happy pubbing.