LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Sheriff’s deputies in West Hollywood will issue citations to people who are not wearing masks in public, ramping up enforcement of a rule that previously had been imposed largely without penalties.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says Wednesday night that the increased enforcement would begin this month. The non-criminal citations come with a fine of $250 for a first offense. West Hollywood contracts with the sheriff’s department for law enforcement.

A spokeswoman for the sheriff's department says the agency overall will continue to seek voluntary compliance but contract cities can set their own ordinances.