Watervliet implements Halloween curfew for minors

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Halloween curfew passed in the city of Watervliet. The curfew prohibits children under the age of 18 from being in public between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31.

During that time, minors would also not be allowed to drive or be a passenger in a car driving without a set destination. The curfew does not apply to minors accompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian.

Exceptions include going to work, school, church or emergency situations.

The ordinance was first proposed by the Watervliet City Council, who said that, each year on Halloween, minors — many of whom are reportedly not Watervliet residents — tended to remain in public places after traditional trick-or-treating hours. According to the proposal, the reported late-night gatherings and loitering have led to noise disturbances, property damage and other safety concerns.

If a minor is found violating the curfew, a police officer would take down the minor’s name and address, advise the minor to return home immediately, and notify the minor’s parent, guardian, or custodian.