And they get away with it too...
The Rolling Stones escaped a £2,500 fine yesterday despite flouting strict anti-smoking legislation brought into the UK this year.
The ageing rockers couldn't help showing a bit of rock n' roll rebellion on Tuesday for the first of their big London shows at the O2 Arena, with both Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood lighting up on stage. Their actions even spurted many of the crowd to follow suit - although security officials were quick to warn fans they'd be ejected if they didn't stub it out.
Wood said: "I had one on stage, like you do. I didn't mean to upset anyone, I just thought it was time for a ciggie and, sure enough, there it was. But I won't smoke in future. I don't mind - I can take it or leave it."
O2 bosses yesterday escaped a fine of up to £2,500, with Greenwich Council deciding the act was an oversight by the band. An O2 spokesman added of Tuesday night's concert: "A band member appeared to have a cigarette, but it was extinguished almost faster than the message to put it out got to stage."
Greenwich Council added it had received no complaints.
