Williams to escape smoking fines

Williams smoked for a second time despite a reminder of the ban

Robbie Williams has avoided two smoking fines after illegally lighting up on stage at two of his Australian shows.

Peter Beattie, Queensland's state premier, said the pop star was liable for fines totalling 117 Australian dollars (£47) but that he would pay it.

"He used it as part of his act and is going to be treated like anyone else, but because of the circumstances, I am going to pay it," Beattie said.

Williams, 32, lit up at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, a non-smoking venue.

'Bad boy image'

Stadium spokesman Greg Adermann said Williams had been reminded after the first concert that smoking was banned there.

Mr Beatty said he did not want the issue "to turn into an opportunity to continue to promote that bad boy image".

Health groups criticised Williams in the media after he smoked for the first time at his gig on Wednesday.

But when he heard about the controversy, he lit up again during his concert the following evening, saying that smoking was his only vice after giving up drugs and alcohol.

Williams' Australian tour will end with two concerts in Melbourne next week.