Community Corner

Petition Seeks to Ban Outdoor Smoking at Reston Town Center

A petitioner on change.org is seeking signatures.

Reston was the first and perhaps only community in the DC area to ban the e-cigarette from Reston Association common areas.

In 2011, a petition was started to ban smoking in all outdoor common areas in Reston. Last year, Starbucks banned smoking at its outdoor cafes. And Fairfax County will soon be erecting no-smoking signs at some of its parks.

An online petition on change.org is seeking to ban outdoor smoking at Reston Town Center. So far, the petition has 17 signatures and at least seven of those signatures are from out of state.

Here's what the petitioner, Nathan Pierce, had to say on change.org, about the experience that prompted him to start his petition:

We all know Reston Town Center is beautiful and family friendly. In fact when I ask people why they like it so much, "family friendly and safe" are the common responses. I considered this to be true until last week when I was "smoked out" twice in one day by smokers and forced to move. While I was eating lunch and reading a book in the seating areas by the fountain, someone came and sat down in the table next to me. They proceeded to light their cigarette. I can smell it (I'm allergic and sensitive to cigarette smoke) of course being so close. I'm usually alright with this, but unfortunately two other people around me started smoking as well. I had to pack up my lunch, books, and move to the other side where I was no longer in the sun and quite uncomfortable. I don't know if others have had this experience, but it was rude and ruined my entire lunch. If Reston Town Center is so "safe" and "family friendly", why is smoking, something that has been proven to cause HARM to other people, allowed in public areas? There are always kids running around for god's sake. I'm asking that while smokers sit around other people that don't want to intentionally poison themselves, that they move to a designated smoking area and come back after.

What do you think of banning outdoor smoking at Reston Town Center?



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