Smokers want last laugh in comedy club
A comedy club owner believes he has discovered a loop-hole in the smoking ban.
Dave Perkin told the Manchester Evening News that customers may be able to carry on smoking at his Frog and Bucket club provided they are willing to get on stage and tell a joke.
He claims smoking is permitted if it is an integral part of any performance.
Perkin said: "We hold a famous 'open mic' night on Mondays and as long as the audience come up on stage and tell a joke about smoking then they can light a cigarette while they are doing it.
The onus would be on Mr Perkin to prove smoking was indeed fundamental to the artistic integrity of the performanceA council spokesman.
"The laws stipulate that smoking has to be an intrinsic part of that performance to be allowed.
"The law uses the example of a play about Winston Churchill as an instance of when someone needs to be able to smoke as part of their performance.
"Originally, I was very much opposed to the legislation as I thought that it was an infringement of people's civil liberties but I can now see the wisdom in protecting employees from smoke."
However, his plan failed to raise a smile at Manchester City Council.
A spokesman said: "The law includes a limited exemption for performers where the artistic integrity of a show makes it appropriate for that performer to smoke.
"The exemption only applies during the performance. The onus would be on Mr Perkin to prove smoking was indeed fundamental to the artistic integrity of the performance."
