ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – The Anchorage Police Department has continued issuing citations to minors for possession of tobacco and vaping products despite a new ordinance ending the penalty.
The Anchorage Daily News reported the Anchorage Assembly passed an ordinance in July called Tobacco 21 to help reduce teen smoking.
The ordinance included a change that went into effect Aug. 20 to stop issuing citations to minors in possession of tobacco and vaping products.
Officials say Anchorage police have not followed the intent of the city’s legislative body and have instead relied on state code to continue penalizing minors in possession.
A police spokeswoman says officers issued 23 citations for minors in possession of tobacco or vaping products between Aug. 29 and Oct. 30.

Information from: Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com