Sean PennSean PennIn Britain we're gearing up for the new smoking regulations which come in to force in 2007.

In case you weren't aware, lighting up a ciggy in enclosed places such as pubs and clubs will be banned - we like to keep you informed.

And Sean Penn has some additional information about the progress of anti-smoking rules - in Canada, to be precise.

The Oscar-winning star escaped charges when he lit up in a hotel while promoting his new film All The King's Men during the Toronto Film Festival.

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places in Ontario, but although politicians and anti-tobacco campaigners called for police to charge him, he got away with a written warning from Toronto public health officials.

Ontario Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson said: "We don't have a system in Canada where we have preferential treatment for someone who's famous or rich.

"We welcome stars and mere mortals and everyone else to Ontario and they have to respect our laws."

So, who got fined for the offence?

The hotel.