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Tacoma, Wash., Agencies Steer Clear of Smoking Ban Enforcement.

By Kenneth P. Vogel, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Apr. 8--Technically, smokers can be fined $100 if they're caught lighting up in bars or restaurants in Pierce County, under the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's smoking ban.

But that's unlikely to happen, according to Rick Porso, a manager at the department.

The health department enforces violations against businesses and operators, but it's up to law enforcement to enforce problems with individuals, he said.

And the health department'

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