The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department announced that deputies will be issuing citations to people not wearing masks or face coverings in public.

Sheriff’s department officials are issuing citations based on state mandates requiring face masks. Previously, authorities had been educating people about the requirement, but now they are taking steps to ensure compliance.

Administrative citations will be issued, and fines and fees will be $300 for a first offense. Administrative citations differ from criminal citations in that they are resolved by paying a fine, and do not result in further penalties or a criminal record. West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Capt. Edward Ramirez said they previously held off on issuing citations, as it was considered a final option, but the risk to community health was too great.

“We ask our community to please wear a face cover/mask while in public in an effort to keep everyone healthy and control the spread of the virus,” Ramirez said in a statement.

For information, visit westhollywood.lasd.org.