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Since July 1 2007, in England it has been against the law to smoke in any enclosed or partially enclosed public space, but it has come to my attention that back in August of this year members of the Rolling Stones flouted the smoking ban at a gig – tut tut.

The culprits were, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, who lit up before a 20,000 strong crowd at London’s O2 arena – in fact some people in the audience even cheered.

Keith Richards lit up, and smoked for about five minutes as he played a solo – and this was made abundantly clear to the audience as his image was displayed on the big screen behind him.

Ronnie Wood was also filmed with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth during the sell-out two-and-a-half-hour concert.

Security warned the fans in no uncertain terms not to do the same – if they did they would be booted out of the former Millennium Dome.

Meanwhile the owners of the O2, AEG, were nearly fined £2,500 for allowing this to happen, but received a mere slap on the wrist, after they made assurances to the local council that it would not happen again.

A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: “We have received no complaints from members of the public. We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce the smoking legislation. We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur.”

A spokesman for the O2 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 cooperation.”

At them time The Stones were rounding off their mammoth two-year A Bigger Bang world tour with three performances at the arena in London.

Keith Richards had already caused a bit of a stir by lighting up during a concert at Glasgow’s Hampden Park more than a year ago, where the ban was already in place, Scotland having introduced the ban prior to England.

Given the Rolling Stones contribution to the rock genre I suppose we can just about forgive them anything, but come on lads, keep the smoking for backstage. Love ya.

Filed under: Smoking bans, Controversy, Smoking and celebrities