Weller smoke puts theatre in jam

Southend Borough Council said the law was breached

Rock star Paul Weller has landed a theatre in a jam after lighting up a cigarette on stage.

The Cliffs Pavilion, in Southend, Essex, was issued with a warning after council bosses found Weller flouted anti-smoking regulations.

The ex-frontman of the Jam and Style Council performed at the venue on Saturday and a warning was issued.

"We think the law was breached so we have issued a warning," Steve Ramm, of Southend Borough Council, said.

"We considered the matter but under the terms of our enforcement policy, we have issued the warning to Southend Theatres Limited at this stage.

"If a similar occurrence were to take place in future, we would be likely to take further action."

Mr Weller's agents, who are based in Beverley Hills, California, have been invited to comment.

Warning letter

A spokesman for Crawley Borough Council said it would be contacting Mr Weller for flouting another smoking ban last week.

The singer and his crew ignored requests not to smoke during two gigs held at the K2 Crawley venue in West Sussex on 6 and 7 November.

"We will be sending a warning letter to Paul Weller explaining that no action will be taken on this occasion," said the spokesman.

"We will require an undertaking from him not to smoke in an enclosed public place before booking him to perform in Crawley in the future."