US Virgin Islands to crack down on smoking in public places

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The US Virgin Islands is cracking down on smoking inside public places.

The government announced yesterday that it will start dispatching health authorities to businesses and anyone caught breaking the law will face fines ranging from $200 to $500. They also said businesses without "No Smoking" signs will be fined at least $1,000.

The announcement comes as the US territory prepares for the holiday and carnival season. The US Virgin Islands approved a smoking ban in 2011 that prohibits smoking inside public places and within 20 feet (6 meters) of those areas.