Richards is used to an occasional run-in with the police, most notably drug charges during the 60s and 70s, but his law-breaking days appeared to be behind him.
But the legendary rock band's guitarist is now being investigated by Glasgow city council after it received reports that he had broken Scotland's smoking ban.
Council officials confirmed yesterday they are to launch an inquiry to whether the Stones' axeman lit up on stage at Glasgow's Hampden Park last Friday night when the band played there in their Bigger Bang European tour.
A city spokesman said: "This has been brought to our attention and we will be looking into it. Glasgow city council takes its responsibility for enforcing the smoking ban very seriously." The law came into force in March and bans smoking in enclosed public places. Its aim is to reduce the health damage caused by second-hand tobacco smoke.
Environmental officers are responsible for enforcing the ban and inspections.
Richards is one of rock's true hell-raisers and known for his consumption of stimulants including tobacco, but was recently in the news for an operation on his skull after falling from a tree in May, causing the legendary band to cancel some tour dates.
If found guilty of smoking, Richards would have to pay a £50 fine. The manager of any premises who allows others to smoke can also be fined £200.
The investigation by Glasgow comes after actor Mel Smith was prevented from lighting a cigar as part of a theatre show.
The comedian, playing Winston Churchill in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, had threatened to ignore the law and light up during the performance. Instead the Smith and Jones star picked up the cigar and lighter props before putting them down again unused.
But the legendary rock band's guitarist is now being investigated by Glasgow city council after it received reports that he had broken Scotland's smoking ban.
Council officials confirmed yesterday they are to launch an inquiry to whether the Stones' axeman lit up on stage at Glasgow's Hampden Park last Friday night when the band played there in their Bigger Bang European tour.
A city spokesman said: "This has been brought to our attention and we will be looking into it. Glasgow city council takes its responsibility for enforcing the smoking ban very seriously." The law came into force in March and bans smoking in enclosed public places. Its aim is to reduce the health damage caused by second-hand tobacco smoke.
Environmental officers are responsible for enforcing the ban and inspections.
Richards is one of rock's true hell-raisers and known for his consumption of stimulants including tobacco, but was recently in the news for an operation on his skull after falling from a tree in May, causing the legendary band to cancel some tour dates.
If found guilty of smoking, Richards would have to pay a £50 fine. The manager of any premises who allows others to smoke can also be fined £200.
The investigation by Glasgow comes after actor Mel Smith was prevented from lighting a cigar as part of a theatre show.
The comedian, playing Winston Churchill in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe, had threatened to ignore the law and light up during the performance. Instead the Smith and Jones star picked up the cigar and lighter props before putting them down again unused.
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