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16
Sanitary Condition of Theatres, Music Halls, &c.
The attention of Local Authorities has been directed to. this
subject by the Minister of Health during the past year by the
receipt of a circular letter to the effect that the Minister of Health
had recently received numerous serious complaints which the
Ministry were satisfied in many instances were justified respecting
the unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, more especially in the
accommodation for the artistes and staff employed, which obtain in
theatres and music hails in different parts of the country. He
suggested sanitary inspection of these premises and added to at the
Secretary of State was suggesting to the Licensing Authorities
that where any such report is received by them, they should cause
the licensee of the premises to be informed that unless the conditions
are promptly remedied, the matter will be taken into consideration
when the question of the renewal of the license com's
before them. The Secretary of State is also suggesting that when
considering an application for the grant or renewal of a licence in
respect of any theatre, music hall, or other place of public entertainment,
the Licensing Authority should require a certificate from
the inspector of nuisances that the condition of the building is
satisfactory in sanitary and other respects, and if they desire to
grant or renew the licence they should attach such conditions to it
as will ensure the building being maintained in a proper state.
Acting upon the suggestions contained in this letter the General
Put poses Committee of the Council asked to be furnished with a
report upon the sanitary conditions. &c., of the Richmond Hippodrome
prior to the renewal of the annual license in November A
detailed inspection of the building was accordingly made with
special reference to the following:—
(a) Lavatory and sanitary accommodation.
(b) Ventilation and condition of dressing rooms.
(c) Ventilation of auditorium.
(d) Precautions against fire.
(e) General cleanliness of the premises.