Learning Objectives: Identify three areas of law enforcement or legal representatives who can assist communities, counties, and states in implementing and enforcing tobacco control laws. Recognize and better understand the role of law enforcement agencies and receive a copy of the fact sheet entitled "Tips for Working with Law Enforcement Agencies". Assess presentations by the city attorney of a major California city and an assistant city attorney of a smaller California city on working with tobacco control advocates toward compliance and implementation of tobacco control laws.
Abstract: On January 1, 1998, California became the first state in the country to prohibit indoor smoking in nightspots, stand-alone bars, bar-restaurant combinations and casinos on a statewide basis. The bar segment was the final portion of the California Smoke-Free Workplace Act which brought virtually all workplaces into compliance as smoke-free places of employment.
Enforcement protocols of the bar portion of AB 13, which subsequently became Labor Code 6404.5, differed in various parts of the state. BREATH—The California Smoke-Free Bars, Workplaces and Communities Program contacted most counties and cities in late 1997 to ascertain if they were clear in their selection of enforcers and enforcement procedures for the new law. It was found that most enforcement entities were clear on who was to enforce, however, enforcement agencies requested assistance for the development of protocols and procedures. These requests soon gave birth to dozens of BREATH Law Enforcement Trainings throughout California focusing on practical procedures for collaboration between public health educators and code, legal and law enforcement agents in the state.
These new, positive relationships forged with legal entities, state code enforcement organizations, city attorneys, district attorneys, and county counsels have paved the way toward collaborative activities. Cooperative presentations and panels, funding opportunities for enforcement agencies through California State Master Settlement Funds facilitated by the California Department of Health Services-Tobacco Control Section and two-way consulting opportunities between public health and law enforcement are providing increased arenas for cooperation in all areas of tobacco control enforcement.
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