SMOKING IN THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 20655, 1 December 1930, Page 11

SMOKING IN THEATRES

STOPPED IN ENGLAND WAR-TIME PRIVILEGE WITHDRAWN Press Association—ByTelegraph—Copyrights LONDON, November 29, ; The Lord Chamberlain threw a bombshell at theatre managers to-day, when, lie renewed their, licenses, by announcing that in future smoking wonld i not be allowed in theatres controlled by him, except the musical comedies and revues which were now being acted. He said that people had been writing in complaint of the practice. This reverses the decision made in 1915, when smoking was introduced for the benefit of soldiers on leave. It is worthy of note that the King and Queen never visit a theatre where; smoking is allowed. On the contrary, the Prince of Wales always smokes when’he is allowed, and the Queen of Spain the other night thanked a managed for a box of cigarettes and smoked throughout a performance. There are now almost as many women smokers in London audiences as men. American and Continental visitors also appreciated the custom, as smoking is barred in their theatres.