AF00092424 T&P Empire Dance Pavilion & Theatre NRS-15318-1-[10-53052]-T846 - Flipbook - Page 15
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CHIEF SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT
THEATRES Al1) PUBLIC HALLS ACT,
1908.
Empire Theatre, Tweed Heads.
In his letter of 22.7.27, Mr. D. McLeod asks for information in regard to conditions under which smoking is permitted
in public halls, stating that he understands that under certain
conditions smoking is allowed in licensed hails.
The Police have submitted a plan illustrating the portion
which is suggested should be set aside for smoking, stating
that the building is of brick, and that the proposed position
for the smoking reserve would be adjacent to a 30' lane, which
has two exits opening into same.
Regulation 79 states that no person shall smoke in the
auditorium, orchestra, green-rooms, dressing rooms, wings, or
within the precincts of the stage, except as may he necessary
on the stage inhonnection with the performance; and that any
person infringing any of the provisions of this Regulation shall
on conviction be liable to a penalty not exceeding £10. The
Regulation provides that the Minister may, if he thinks fit, on
occasions of smoke concerts or other similar entertainments,
suspend the provisions of this Regulation.
It is mentioned that there is an example in which portion
of a theatre in the Metropolitan area is set aside .for smoking.
This area is in an independent gallery where all due precautions
have been taken to provide against the possibility of accident.
,Aecommendation.-
It is recommended in this instance that the Minister be
advised to approve of smoking being permitted in the above hail,
subject to the portion set aside for smokers being at the roar
of the auditorium, and provided that the floor is in perfect
condition, and has not any wide cracks between joiOts of the
flooring in which matches might fall. As a precautionary measure, it is considered advisable that some non-inflammable material should be placed on the floor in the smoking reserve.
Receptacles should be provided for matches, and patrons should
not in any circumstances be permitted to expectorate on the
floor. If patrons wish to expectorate, it should only be into
receptacles set aside for this purpose, filled with sawdust and
disinfectant, sued receptacles to be emptied after each perform
ance. Under no conditions will smoking be permitted outside a
limited area, which is to be determined by the local Police.
The Under Secretary.
cni—ect.
29.8.27.
Submitted for approval.
APPROVED.
X./
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