Russell Crowe may not have exactly set SkyCity alight with his Friday night concert, but he lit up enough himself - he smoked the whole way through the act, while the punters had to puff away outside.
Crowe performed with his band, the Ordinary Fear of God, at SkyCity.
He
smoked cigarettes after each song and sometimes during songs as well - actions that breach theSmokefree Environment Act, which bans smoking in workplaces and bars.
Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) director Becky Freeman said she was "shocked" Crowe was smoking inside. "So he's above the law because he's a celebrity or something? Just because you're Russell Crowe doesn't mean you can do whatever you like," said Ms Freeman.
Under the Act the onus was on SkyCity management to prevent Crowe from smoking.
Ms Freeman said the manager should have approached Crowe and told him to stop.
Sky City can be held responsible for breachingthe law.
Sky City did not make any comment, but confirmed Crowe had been smoking on stage.
Ms Freeman said it was disappointing that a public figure such as Crowe had such contempt for the law.
"He's a guest in one of our clubs and he has an obligation to follow our rules."
Crowe's smoking habit contrasts with the anti-tobacco movie The Insider, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Jeffrey Wigand, who blew the whistle on tobacco companies.
Concert-goers said the venue was far from sold out even though the band had been seen giving free tickets to attractive young women on the street.
Ms Freeman said though she was disappointed by Crowe's actions it was probably in his character.
-HERALD ON SUNDAY
