Smoking & New Canaan's Family Fourth

Why is cigar/cigarette smoking permitted during the July 4th Family Fourth event at Waveny? Second-hand smoke is a health hazard to the many children at this wonderful event. Moreover, it disrupts the festive atmosphere for the overwhelming majority of attendees who are non-smokers.

I asked this question to the Family Fourth committee and town officials. Unfortunately, the answers were either silence or “we will look into it” and then silence.

Given the huge popularity of the Family Fourth, children and adults are packed closely together. Therefore, it is very hard to move and escape wind-borne cigarette smoke. The Family Fourth already bans items such as alcohol, sparklers, candles and personal barbeques. Isn't time to also ban smoking?

If you agree with this stance, please contact Rob Mallozzi at the New Canaan government website and ask him to consider banning smoking at the next Family Fourth. Mr. Mallozzi is one of the town’s Selectmen and is head of the Family Fourth committee.

Will