Inspectors hit bars to begin enforcing anti-smoking law.

QUEBEC -- Quebec's tobacco police begin working in earnest tonight, enforcing the ban on smoking in public places that took effect at midnight.

They'll work incognito, like spies, in bars throughout the province where the government believes recalcitrant owners will refuse to enforce the ban.

The more than 75 inspector-agents have been ordered to monitor employees and bar owners. Those who do not comply face fines of $400 for a first offence and as much $10,000 for repeat offences. Smokers who refuse to butt out will be fined $50, and penalties can reach as much $600 if they persist.

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