Top Gear pipe smoking sparks apology call

Campaigners are demanding the BBC apologise after Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May appeared to flout the smoking ban on the show.

The pair lit up pipes containing herbal tobacco during the news section of Monday's show.

Waverley Borough Council said it was investigating the incident which took place at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, where Top Gear was being filmed.

All three presenters pulled out pipes during a discussion about Porsche-branded products.

Richard Hammond decided not to light up.

After putting the wrong end in his mouth and burning his tongue, Clarkson, 47, was seen running from the stage.

The BBC said it received just a couple of complaints from viewers.

A spokeswoman said: "During an item in last night's 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."

She wouldn't comment on whether or not what took place was illegal.

But Amanda Sandford, spokeswoman for Action on Smoking on Health (Ash), said: "Smoking in a studio is illegal. Anything that causes smoke is prohibited.

"We would hope that programme-makers make some form of apology. It was meant to be a fairly light-hearted part of the programme, but the law is the law and it's not appropriate for the BBC, especially for a programme that's very popular and seen by a lot of young people, to be openly flouting the law."

A Waverley Borough Council spokesperson said officers haven't yet viewed the footage and are investigating.