SLASH Escapes Fine For Lighting Up In Cardiff

David James of the icWales reports that VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash is set to escape a £50 fine for lighting up on stage in Cardiff.

The former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist was spotted puffing at the Cardiff International Arena during a gig with VELVET REVOLVER.

But city cigarette ban chiefs said the arena was to blame — and are not planning to try to force the Los Angeles resident, whose real name is Saul Hudson, to pay the fine for smoking in a public place.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The primary responsibility lies with the business to prevent smoking from taking place in the venue."

Local authority smoking officers have now demanded the CIA put into writing how it plans to stop performers smoking on stage in future.

The venue has also been accused of flouting new rules by failing to stop scores of music lovers lighting up during the ARCTIC MONKEYS' Cardiff gig last week.

One music lover at the gig said: "Everyone was doing it, so I lit up as well.

"It didn't seem like there was anyone there trying to stop you."

A spokesman for the venue would not comment on the allegations.

But Cardiff council said that its officers had received several complaints and had taken them up with managers at the CIA.

And a spokeswoman defended its policy of targeting the venue — which could be hit with a £2,500 fine if it fails to prevent people lighting up inside — rather than the smokers.

She said: "The council’s enforcement guidance and enforcement policy emphasise that initial activity should focus on the business proprietor, who has management and control over their premises.

"If they effectively regulate their premises and comply with their duties under the legislation, it is likely that individuals using those premises will comply."