Jump to full article: AP, 2007-03-02
Author: Associated Press
Intro: People caught smoking in bars and restaurants in Puerto Rico faced fines Friday as a ban on lighting up in enclosed public spaces took effect.
The law was approved last year over the objections of some in the tourism industry. It also prohibits smoking in private cars with children under 13 inside.
Violators face a penalty of $250 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for repeat violations.
Opponents say the ban threatens tourism on an island where many people like to smoke while betting in the nearly two dozen casinos, which are considered key to Puerto Rico's $3 billion tourism industry.
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