Bay band out of Smokefree after musician's sneaky puff | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

A sneaky cigarette has cost a Bay band the chance of winning the Smokefreerockquest.

A band competing at the competition's regional heat at Mount Sports Centre over the weekend was disqualified after one of its musicians was caught smoking.

Smokefreerockquest coordinator Glenn Common told the Bay of Plenty Times organisers had no choice when a band member was snapped smoking at the front of the venue.

All musicians participating in the event must sign a "smokefree declaration" stating they will not smoke during the event, acknowledging that smoking will result in the disqualification of their band.

 "Remaining smoke-free is an integral part of the competition."

Mr Common said he did not know the name of the band or what school its members came from.

The matter was dealt with as discreetly as possible, he said, to avoid humiliating the band members. All competitors were informed of the reason for the disqualification.

"It is disappointing, as this has only happened twice before in our 20-year history. The last time was about five years ago at the national finals."

Mr Common said he was satisfied the smoking breach was not committed with malice, but was done with a lack of thought of the consequences.

The rules were clear, and it would have been unfair to other competing bands not to disqualify the whole band, even if it was just one or two members involved.

The disqualification will not prevent the band from competing next year.