THEATRE PATRONS WHO “LIGHT UP” TOO SOON

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28559, 12 April 1958, Page 10

THEATRE PATRONS WHO “LIGHT UP” TOO SOON

Theatre patrons who light cigarettes and matches before leaving auditoriums are causing concern among the Christchurch cinema managers. Last evening, managers of 1$ theatres in and around the city were asked for their views on this matter and only two said they had not been troubled by impatient smokers. “It is a very serious offence,” said one manager, Mr O. L. Beckett. “Once a patron enters the auditorium doors, he commits an offence if he lights a cigarette.”

He said that the theatre fireman was mainly responsible for watching for offenders. “If a large audience is slow filing out at interval or after a show, some smokers get impatient and light up. I don’t think it is intentional,” Mr Beckett said. Mr C. Ward said there were two important factors to consider.

Most obvious was the danger of fire, and the other was the discomfort caused to non-smokers. “No sooner are the house lights turned on, than somebody will begin to smoke,” said Mr Ward. “They just can’t wait an extra minute until they reach the foyer. “A match or cigarette behind a seat could smoulder for some time before being noticed. Although we thoroughly check the theatre after each performance, there is always the possibility of a spark being missed,” he said. Own Interest “As most theatres are some distance from the street, a major fire could develop inside before being noticed. Considering that some nights all theatres are booked out, the loss of one would deprive many persons of their entertainment. Therefore, it is in the patrons’ own interest to observe the regulations.” Mr J. Seebold Said that it was very difficult to catch patrons smoking during the performance. “The projectionist .or late usher may notice somebody smoking, but on the whole it is very hard to detect.”

Mr Seebold said that he knew of very few cases in his theatre. “Having been caught myself and reprimanded by a fireman for smoking in a theatre, I am sure that the majority of people offend subconsciously, but there is the person who thinks it is smart to break rules,” said Mr S. E. M. Moodie.

“In North America smoking is not permitted inside the auditorium, but in England and on the Continent it is permitted,” he said. “Consequently, we have the new New Zealander who is unaware that he is breaking the law.”

Suburban theatres are also troubled in the same way, and several managers reported finding cgiarette butts under seats at the end of performances.