Starting next week, health and law enforcement officials in Stanislaus County will begin citing bar owners who continue to let their patrons smoke. Bar owners who have refused to enforce the ban can expect visits from sheriff's deputies and police officers.

Further, "their liquor license could be in jeopardy if they don't comply," County Counsel Mick Krausnick said.

The ban started Jan. 1, with the intent of protecting bar employees from second-hand smoke.

A first violation carries a fine of up to $100, a second violation up to $200, and third and subsequent violations up to $500. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration can levy fines of up to $7,500.

Owners like Roy Ridgway, who dutifully removed ash trays and posted No Smoking signs at his Modesto business, welcome some action.

"If they have a law, they ought to enforce it. My customers went along with it at first, but then they started hearing about other bars where it wasn't being enforced. They were telling me I was the only one," Ridgway said Friday.

Officials said most bar owners are cooperating.

"It's going to take time to get full compliance," said Joseph Wadley, Stanislaus County's health education coordinator. "But once it's enforced, it'll go real quick."

For information about the law or to make a complaint, call 558-6053.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.