Tobacco tempest: arena cautioned after Stones light up during concert

They may be aging rockers, but Rolling Stones guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood still know how to cause a kerfuffle.

The two rockers were photographed lighting up during the Stones concert at London's new O2 arena Tuesday night and, though no fine was issued, local authorities sent a warning to the arena's managers about flouting the recently introduced U.K. indoor smoking ban.

No one lodged a complaint about Richards and Wood,according to Greenwich Council, the local body that oversees the London neighbourhood where the arena is located. However, images of them lighting up onstage appeared around the world the following day.

"We have reminded the O2 of their obligation to enforce smoking legislation," read a Greenwich Council statement.

"We are satisfied with the assurances they have provided that this will not recur."

Since July 1, the U.K. has banned smoking in public indoor spaces. Site owners who don't ask patrons to butt out can be fined 2,500 (nearly $5,300).

According to an arena spokesperson, "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."

However, an unnamed source close to the band told the Times of Londonthat the two Stones will continue as they see fit.

"Ronnie and Keith have been smoking on stage for the last three decades and they're not going to stop for the next two," the source said.

"You might say that Keith and Ronnie lighting up while they swap licks is part of the Stones performance."

Richards caused a similar fuss in Scotland almost exactly a year ago, when he was seen smoking throughout a concert at Glasgow's Hampden Park.

He escaped a fine, however, as city council later ruled that its ban on smoking in enclosed public places did not apply to performance stages.