The traditional Music Under The Stars concerts are underway in North Haven this season and rumor around town is that the fun festivities may not be the same under the new town administration. For as long as I can remember it has been acceptable to pack a few beers for a relaxing night of music on the Town Green.
When I noticed the show tonight featured "Big Shot" a Billy Joel tribute band I asked my wife if she 
wanted to go. Since I'm not always in tune with the latest trends she informed me that word on the street is anyone on town property with alcoholic beverages will be fined. Not sure if she was trying to give me a nudge for Tee'd Off Tuesday but it sort of worked. Although I'm not officially annoyed about the rumor I would be pissed if I get a ticket.
After searching the town web site I did find an ordinance that indeed prohibits the consumption of "alcoholic liquor" on town property and began my investigation into the Grey Area. Of course the bureaucrats that earn their living sucking tax dollars out of our pocket never make anything easy to understand.
My first thought was liquor is a distilled process so maybe beer & wine are except from the ordinance since they are fermented beverages and are commonly allowed where "Hard Liquor" is not. Well the town cronies included language to define alcoholic liquor as described in Section 30-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes which after a little more investigation I discovered includes all liquid and solids with an alcohol content of more than 1/2 of 1% by volume.
My next task was to find out how much alcohol is in my beer of choice, Heineken contains 5.4% alcohol when measured by volume so it looks like the law clearly spelled out in black & white. The only shade of grey left is whether the first selectman issued her blessing allowing the town folks to carry on as they have in prior years.
Guess I'll just pack my cooler with a couple of cold ones and see what happens. Anyone interested in discussing real estate within my territory can feel free to contact me or catch me at the concert for a little conversation between songs.
Dan - I'm sure you know if I was up that way, I'd join you with a frosty cold adult malt beverage in hand.
Dan - Sometimes change isn't for the better :) I guess it won't be the same wihout a nice cold one to enjoy!
Hi Dan,
I don't wanna hear it when you get a ticket....but I'm sure we will! LOL! :)
Think I'll bring my video in case anyone decides to give you a ticket...
Jason... If you leave work at 5 and drive fast you'll make the second half of the show,... My little cooler won't have anything left though....
Bill... The changing trend these days seems to drain more money out of our pockets for everything and I'm not seeing the added benefits. Getting to be time for a tea party!
Suzanne... I'm taking your cell number with me so if I get pinched you'll hear it loud and clear!
Sandra... Just what I need, video evidence of Copper Billy-Bob getting a talking to for screwing with me.
Me driving fast is probably not going to happen. Perhaps I can hitch a ride with Scott & Beth, though Beth is the one with the heavy foot:-)
Great, you Scott and Beth are coming...I'll bring extra lawn chairs and have Dan pick up a keg...that should shake up the townfolk.
Dan your a big boy, you will live without a cold one. I am sure that the great music will more than make up for what you have to give up :)
George... The beer is actually secondary to the loss of freedom throughout the country. Whether a person is sipping a beer, coffee or water shouldn't matter. For the record coolers were in abundance and I didn't see any tickets issued.
They made some changes in our area too! I remember years ago I lived in Chapel Hill and did the Triathalon in the morning, golf tourny in the afternoon, and back on a date to the "symphony under the stars" in Cary! Unforgetable. There is more to the story but I'll keep it a secret for now.
Tracy... You've tossed me enough hints to know who you were with but I'll keep your unforgettable secret safe!