22nd August 2007 09:59 PM |
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tookthatname |
LONDON (Reuters) - Bosses of the O2 arena were cautioned but escaped a fine on Wednesday after two members of the Rolling Stones defied England's new anti-smoking law and lit up on stage.
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Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were pictured smoking on stage during their concert at the new arena on Tuesday night.
Newspapers reported that stewards scrambled to stop onlookers from following suit, even threatening to evict those who lit up.
The law, which came into force on July 1, prohibits smoking in public indoor places. Landlords can be fined 2,500 pounds ($5,000).
More than 20,000 fans watched the ageing rockers kick off the UK leg of their latest tour, A Bigger Bang at the former Dome in Greenwich.
In a statement, a Greenwich Council spokesman said: "We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce smoking legislation.
"We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur."
A spokeswoman for the arena said: "A band member appeared to have a cigarette. However it was extinguished almost faster than the message to put it out got to stage.
"We are sure it was an oversight and are grateful for their co-operation. Along with the rest of the country, we take the smoking ban seriously."
But a source close to the band told The Times: "Ronnie and Keith have been smoking on stage for the last three decades and they're not going to stop for the next two.
"Of course they're going to have a fag -- it's what they do.
"You might say that Keith and Ronnie lighting up while they swap licks is part of the Stones performance." |
22nd August 2007 10:39 PM |
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pdog |
Keith Richards is probably the only person alive I would let smoke in my house. |
23rd August 2007 12:14 AM |
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tookthatname |
grabs back the bong from pdog
.o0 wonders how many dead people he allows to smoke in his house
[Edited by tookthatname] |
23rd August 2007 01:20 AM |
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Promo |
Well, he must be Keith Richards-'cause he doesn't smoke the same cigarrettes as me.... |
23rd August 2007 04:14 AM |
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Zack |
[quote]tookthatname wrote:
.o0 wonders how many dead people he allows to smoke in his house
You mean snort. |
23rd August 2007 07:56 AM |
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corgi37 |
"We smoke anywhere, man". |
23rd August 2007 08:23 AM |
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chevysales |
Rolling Stones flaunt smoking ban
The Rolling Stones are keeping the flame of rock rebellion burning.
A London concert venue was given a warning Wednesday after members of the band were pictured smoking onstage during the first British date on their Bigger Bang tour.
Newspaper photographs showed Keith Richards and Ron Wood holding lit cigarettes during the show Tuesday at the O2 Arena.
Smoking is banned in enclosed public places in England under legislation that came into effect July 1. Companies that allow the ban to be breached can be fined up to $5,000.
Greenwich Council, the local authority for the southeast London area where the arena is located, said no one had complained about the onstage smoking, but the venue had been warned not to let it happen again.
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23rd August 2007 08:34 AM |
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Mr Jurkka |
Smoking is the part of ron|kei Performance. |