A complete ban on smoking in public places has come into effect in California, making it the first American state to institute such a measure.

People are no longer being allowed to light up in bars or casinos that were previouslyexempt from restrictions on smoking in the workplace.

Those who defy the ban may be fined up to seven-thousand dollars.

The law was introduced three years ago to protect employees from passive smoking.

Bar and casino owners are complaining that it may drive customers away.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service