British theatre in trouble after Weller lights up

A theatre found itself in a jam after rock star Paul Weller lit 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.

Weller, former frontman of the Jam and the Style Council, performed at the venue on Saturday.

Steve Ramm, of Southend Borough Council, said: “We have considered the matter, and think that the law was breached on this occasion.

“However, under the terms of our enforcement policy, we have issued a warning to Southend Theatres Ltd at this stage.

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