Who enforces the smoking ban in restaurants, bars, etc.?
In California, it’s enforced by the Health Department of the COUNTY. YES, back in 1999 after the smoking ban in bars went into effect, there were NUMEROUS local bars who ignored the law and would simply remove the ash-trays and turn a blind eye to patrons who smoked. The Health Department would make sweeps with a few cops or Sheriffs, and issue citations to the SMOKERS ($250), and also a citation to the bartender ($750). I know because I was fined once. IF they failed to pay, of COURSE you’d risk going to jail, because you’d be in contempt of the court. ALSO, there were TWO bars that had a PATTERN of failing to comply with the smoking ordinance… the Health Department contacted the ABC (Alcoholic Beverages Commission) and revoked those bars liquor licenses for 90 days. That basically drove those bars out of business. INTERESTINGLY, the California Law only applies to bars with EMPLOYEES !!! There is ONE bar in San Mateo County that ANTICIPATED this part of the law, LAID OFF THE EMPLOYE
