Bono apologizes for public smoking

DUBLIN, Ireland, June 18 (UPI) -- Irish rock star Bono admits owning a Dublin hotel does not give him the right to smoke in the dining room.

Bono, lead singer of U2, apologized for lighting up in the Tea Room at the Clarence Hotel, which is owned by the band, Sky News reported Friday.

Ireland recently adopted one of the world's strictest anti-smoking laws, banning the practice in all indoor public places including pubs.

Bono said he was reminded of the ban by staff members after he started smoking a cigarette while he was sitting with California rockers, The Red Hot Chili Peppers.