The Rolling Stones Escape Smoking Ban Fine

The Rolling Stones begun their London residency last night by openly flouting the UK’s smoking ban onstage.

Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were both spotted lighting up on stage at the O2 Arena but it seems the band and the venue will both escape a fine.

A spokesperson for 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 co-operation. Along with the rest of the country, we take the smoking ban seriously."

The maximum fine for any venue which breaks the ban currently stands at £2,500.

A spokesman 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."

Keith Richards has previously been in trouble for smoking onstage during the Stones’ gig at Hampden Park last year.