Top Gear Clarkson flouts smoke ban
Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May have come under fire for flouting the smoking ban.
The pair lit Porsche pipes during last Sunday's show as part of a sketch mocking car merchandise.
It was a blatant breach of the law and the BBC should offer an immediate apologyAmanda SandfordAsh
A BBC spokeswoman said: "During an item in Top Gear, making fun of car merchandise, the presenters lit up branded pipes, which contained herbal tobacco.
"We are very upfront about the style and tone of the show, so viewers know what to expect.
"There were no complaints from members of the audience present during the filming."
Waverley Borough Council is investigating the incident.
But, anti-smoking group Ash demanded an apology.
Amanda Sandford, from anti-smoking campaign group Ash, demanded an apology.
"It was a blatant breach of the law and the BBC should offer an immediate apology that acknowledges what they have done.
"The law is designed to stop people from smoking exposure in workplaces such as the television studio where the incident took place.
"The BBC could be fined over the incident but I think that is unnecessary in this case, as long as they apologise and say it will not happen again."
