British music venues ban selfie sticks

Some prominent British music venues have decided to ban selfie sticks on health and safety grounds.

The O2 arena, O2 Academy Brixton and SSE Wembley Arena are among such venues, media reports said.

Selfie sticks are extendable phone and camera holders that allow the user to take a wider image or group shot.

"The O2 do not allow selfie sticks into the arena due to safety considerations and so as not to impact the view of other fans," a spokesperson for O2 arena, Britain's largest indoor venue, was quoted as saying on NME.com.

The Academy Music Group that manages 16 British venues has also banned the devices at all its venues.

The AEG-operated SSE Arena, Wembley with 13,000 capacity has refused to allow people with selfie sticks.

"Our advice is do not bring them and stick with the tried-and-tested use of an arm," SSE Wembley spokesperson said.