Music News
Williams fined for smoking in Australia
Saturday 16 December 2006
The leader of Australia's Queensland state - where Williams lit up on-stage at a non-smoking venue on two consecutive nights - offered to pay the fines, saying the entertainer was a guest of the state.
Health groups criticised Williams in the media the day after he smoked on Wednesday at the opening concert of his Australian tour.
He fired up again the next night, telling the crowd that he had heard about the controversy and promised not to smoke again - as he puffed on a cigarette.
After giving up drugs and alcohol, smoking was his only vice, Williams said.
Stadium spokesman Greg Adermann said Williams had been reminded after the first concert that smoking was banned at the venue.
Queensland state Premier Peter Beattie said that Williams was liable for fines totalling €90, but that he would pay.
"He used it as part of his act and he is going to be treated like anybody else, but because of the circumstances, I am going to pay it," Beattie said.
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