Manchester, Conn. Might Ban Smoking at Town Events

What started as an issue with people smoking at an outdoor concert could turn into a complete ban on smoking at town events in the Manchester, Conn.

According to a report on JournalInquirer.com, Pride and Heritage Committee organizers had asked the town’s directors for help curbing smoking at their event by way of banning smoking altogether in town parks and allowing them to post no smoking signs during the concert. Town directors have sent the request to an advisory board as they seek further details before making a decision.

It is the second time the proposal has been sent out for additional work, as in September the directors requested that the Advisory Recreation and Park Commission provide a recommendation. According to the report, Parks Directors Scott Sprague said he didn’t believe there was “widespread concern” over the issue, and that there were concerns about “government overreach.”

The current concern is about enforcement, as the report cited lax enforcement of alcohol restrictions that are already in place and some directors have reservations about passing another law that would be difficult to properly enforce.

One proposal for a resolution comes from Mayor Leo V. Diana, who suggested that “the group hosting the event should get to determine if smoking is allowed or not.”

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.