Compulsory 'no smoking' signs in churches are 'daft', says Dean

The Dean of Southwark the Very Rev Colin Slee said one church had even been threatened with closure by a local council if it failed to comply.

A ban on smoking in enclosed public places in England comes into force on July 1 and encompasses places of worship. But Mr Slee said it was "quite extraordinary" that the Government had not exempted historic religious buildings from the need for signs.

"All Deans have received a very formal letter and been instructed that it's mandatory to put up these signs, even on wonderful Grade I listed heritage entrances."

"We are going to have the ridiculous prospect at the next coronation of the sovereign solemnly entering Westminster Abbey past a 'no smoking' sign.

"It is quite extraordinary that no-one saw this. The National Trust, as I understand it, has been granted an exemption for its wonderful, beautiful listed country houses and yet no-one noticed there needs to be provision, not just for churches but synagogues, temples and mosques as well," he told BBC Radio 4.

"I know one Dean has already been threatened by his local authority and the officer said 'We'll close you down if you don't put up the sign'."

Smoking was not a common problem in church, he insisted.

"We get all sorts of things: we get men wearing hats - that's the most common thing; people wandering in with their Borough Market organic hamburgers.

"But I haven't seen anybody smoking, nor have I had anyone mentioned to me as having been smoking for a very long time."