LONDON, May 27 (UPI) -- Stage productions in London's West End theater district have been exempted from Britain's ban on smoking in public places, which becomes law July 1.
However, when "Grease" opens up at the Piccadilly Theatre this summer management will have to put up a sign warning patrons about the cigarette smoke that will waft over them from the stage, The Times of London reported Sunday.
Theaters throughout England may have to follow suit for any performance in which an actor lights a cigarette.
"We will put up an information sign as we do when there is strobe lighting or pyrotechnical effects," said a spokesman for the Piccadilly Theatre.
But there are concerns smoking onstage may provoke complaints from the audience.
London theater owners are to meet with officials from the Department of Health next month to try and resolve the issue.
"Our front row practically have their feet on the stage so it might be advisable to stick up notices when people smoke," said Penny Horner, general manager of the Jermyn Street Theatre. "It is bureaucracy gone mad."
