Beyoncé goes up in smoke

Beyoncé goes up in smoke
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Wed 21 Feb 2007

Despite her Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide concerts selling out in advance, Beyoncé Knowles has come under fire from anti-smoking groups in Australia for her tour's marketing campaign, which features the star using an old-fashioned cigarette holder. The executive director of anti-smoking group Quit, Todd Harper, wrote to the Federal Department Of Health and argued the advertisements could be in conflict with Australia's Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act. "She is so talented and she doesn't really need to do this," Harper said. "I'm disappointed Beyoncé has used smoking in this way. She's clearly a role model for young people and the fact she can sell out shows means she doesn't need this ad to portray sophistication. She doesn't need this to enhance her message." The office of tour promoter Michael Coppel said the image was taken from the back of Beyoncé's LP cover and was approved by her management and record label. Beyoncé's tour begins at Sydney's Acer Arena on Saturday April 21.
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