Can't add widgets to footer

My themes footer can be separated into two, three or four areas. No matter what option i select the area on the left is always empty. When i put a widget there and save whatever changes i make and then reload the widget page the “Area 1” is always empty, i.e. if i put a widget there it never stays there.

All the other areas,sidebars, etc work fine – just this one is faulty.

My site is running the Dine & Drink theme