Town Threatens Jail Time to Kids Over 12 Who Trick-or-Treat on Halloween
I’ll be the first to admit I am not a huge fan of the holiday that falls on October 31. One reason is that I’d prefer horror movie trailers not appear during every commercial break when I’m watching television with my kids.
Yet October seems to be the month of goblins, ghosts and ghouls. While this writer would rather hibernate until November begins and all things Thanksgiving-related emerge, I don’t have an issue with other parents who allow their kids to go trick-or-treating.
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Who doesn’t love candy, especially when you’re a kid? Whether you’re 2 or 16, I don’t know a single non-adult who doesn’t enjoy dressing up as their favorite Star Wars rebel and filling a bucket or bag with oodles of Kit Kat bars and Tootsie Rolls.
But, apparently, not everyone feels the same way. In fact, a strange law enforced by the city of Chesapeake, Virginia, has quite a few people talking.
According to the City of Chesapeake website, “Trick or treating is open to children up to 12 years old.” No, your eyes do not deceive you.
Twelve is the age limit in Chesapeake for children who wish to partake in the tradition. This rule is in accordance with Code Sec. 46-8, which lays out in detail the law and the consequences of breaking it.
The code states, “If any person over the age of 12 years shall engage in the activity commonly known as “trick or treat” or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever, he or she shall be guilty of a misdemeanor…”
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The code goes on to list fines up to $100 and even possible jail time. That’s a pretty steep price for a 12-year-old dressed as Captain America or Wonder Woman to pay.
Now, to be fair, it is safe to assume this law probably came about due to criminal-like activity that occurred in the past. A statement on the City of Chesapeake website clues us in to this probability.
Older siblings accompanying younger siblings, for example, will not be bothered or seen as violators of this rule.
However, “That same child taking pumpkins from porches and smashing them in the street more likely will,” the city says.
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It would appear some “pumpkin smashing” has happened before and the city is clearly only trying to prevent this from happening again.
So, if you’re a kid over 12 who happens to live in this Virginia city, you’d probably be safer tagging along with your little bro or sis than joining your peers on October 31.
Doing so will not only keep you out of jail, but I’ll bet playing it safe has its rewards — maybe that younger sibling will even share their candy with you, and no doubt your parents will be more than appreciative for the extra help!
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