6 DECEMBER 1930, Page 6

Smoking i

Theatres

THE Lord Chamberlain is to' be congratulated on his decision to prohibit smoking in the theatres under his control, excepting those where a musical comedy or revue is being acted.

There must have been many people, smokers and non-smokers, who have no prejudice against smoking, who have long felt that conditions were intolerable for non-smokers in those theatres in London where SMaillg is permitted. Smokers are, unfortunately, often incon- siderate of the feelings of others, and, because to yield to the lure of tobacco is a joy and a solace, they do not remember that there are many who do not share their feelings. How often have we witnessed cigar smoke being puffed into faces of members of the audience near by, obviously to their discomfort, by some incon- siderate smoker ! In the past there has been no redress. What was a member of the public to do who went to the theatre for two and a half hours' enjoyment, if he or she was subjected to the ordeal of being enveloped in a cloud of cigar smoke for the best part of the evening ?

We readily admit that theatre proprietors will have a grievance if they are prohibited from perinitting smoking in their buildings while music-halls and cinemas labour under no such disability:- In our "view theie is much to be said in favour of the American and Conti- nental practice; which does'not allow smoking in theatres. We are no " kill-joys," but even assuming that smokers are in the majority in most places of amusement, is it fair that no consideration' should be shown for the wishes of the minority ? Could not a compromise bc reached ? If the public insists on smoking in places of amusement, surely this permission might only apply to cigarettes and not to pipes or cigars ?

We have no intention of joining the ranks of the anti-tobacco fanatics. Like many other things, tobacco is only an evil when not used in moderation, and to many of us the moments spent in smoking with our friends are among the pleasantest in the day. But would any of us be worse off if we were obliged to refrain from smoking' for the couple of hours that we were at the theatre ?