A city in Canada has banned anyone older than 16 from trick-or-treating, but its deputy mayor doesn't think the rule goes far enough.
The city of Bathurst, New Brunswick, passed a bylaw this month that would fine anyone older than 16 up to $200 if they are caught trick-or-treating. The new law also makes it illegal to trick-or-treat past 8 p.m.
Some Bathurst officials feel the new law is a classic case of government overreach but Deputy Mayor Lee Stever reportedly wanted to impose further restrictions on candy hunters.
According to CBC, Stever wanted to cap the trick-or-treating age limit at 14 years old and the cutoff time at 7 p.m.
Bathurst City Councillor Kim Chamberlain told CBC she was against the bylaw from the start and tried to get it voted down but was unsuccessful. She said she thinks the age limit could make tall kids uncomfortable taking part in trick-or-treating.
"My cousin's son is 5 feet 4 inches tall and 15 years old. What are we going to do, go up to him and ask him 'How old are you' and 'Show me your ID?' That doesn't make sense," Chamberlain said.
Another Bathurst government official called the Halloween bylaw "kooky."
Clint Davis is a reporter for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis. Keep up to date with the latest news by following @ScrippsNational on Twitter.
