There has been some debate about how old is too old to still go trick-or-treating before, so one town in Canada has put an end to that by banning kids over 16 from the Halloween tradition. The town of Bathurst in New Brunswick is enacting a law that includes an 8 p.m. curfew as well as not allowing older teens to trick-or-treat. And those caught violating it will be fined $200!
And as crazy as this law may sound, it’s actually an update to a 2005 Halloween ban that said kids older than 14 weren’t allowed to go trick-or-treating and set a 7 p.m. curfew, but those weren’t ever enforced. And at least the new rules are a little more relaxed, but come on!
Even the city’s deputy mayor, Kim Chamberlin, is against the law, saying it’s an overstep by government. Not only is it tough for some parents who work until six to get home, make dinner, and get their kids dressed up and ready to go out candy collecting on Halloween night and be done by eight, some kids are really tall and might look older than they are. Does this mean cops would have to question them about wearing a costume? Hardly seems like a good use of their time.
With the new rule, older teens don’t even have to be knocking on doors to get in trouble. Just being outside with a mask on could get their parent’s fined. But those in favor of the change say it’ll make things safer for the littlest trick-or-treaters and help prevent property damage - the trick part of the holiday.
But here’s the thing - with all the trouble teenagers could be getting into, wouldn’t people rather they enjoy a night of innocent fun on Halloween, dressing up and getting candy, than other danger they could be getting into? Let them be kids as long as they want to!
Source: The Stir