At a Glance

California’s campaign against tobacco use expands today when smoking becomes illegal in most of the state’s 35,000 bars, as well as in card rooms and casinos. Some facts:

* Who’s included: The prohibition applies to almost all enclosed workplaces that have employees other than the owner.

* History: The Legislature passed the smoking ban in 1994. Citing dangers from second-hand smoke, supporters, including the California Labor Federation, backed the legislation as a worker safety measure. Starting in 1995, the prohibition applied to offices, restaurants and most other enclosed places of business. It was extended to bars and casinos after state officials failed to determine safe levels of exposure to tobacco smoke.

* Penalties: After initial confusion, the state Department of Health Services has concluded that patrons who ignore the law, as well as business owners who allow smoking in their establishments, could be subject to fines of $100 for a first violation and $200 for a second. A third violation could result in a $500 fine, plus action against the employer by state labor officials. State and local health officials say few fines have been issued during the three years the law has been in effect. They plan to implement this latest phase of the indoor smoking ban by educating bar owners and patrons about its health benefits.

* Exceptions: The smoking ban does not extend to bars and casinos on Indian land, bars that are owner-operated and have no employees, tobacco retailers and establishments that are not enclosed by four walls and a ceiling.