Don’t be spooked by Halloween rules

It’s time once again for trick-or-treaters to be out looking for sweet treats, and even the state recognizes that rules need to relax for the day.

State law prohibits anyone over the age of 16 from wearing a mask, but one of the exceptions to the law is when people are “wearing traditional holiday costumes.”

Commonwealth’s Attorney William H. Fuller III said that exception definitely applies to Halloween.

“I don’t think it (the law) comes into play on Halloween,” Fuller said — but added that anyone using masks to conceal their faces during the commission of a crime on Halloween would be prosecuted the same as on any other day.

In Danville, the City Code prohibits anyone over the age of 10 from trick-or-treating, but it’s a law that’s difficult to enforce.

“What are you going to do — go up to all the kids and ask how old they are?” Fuller said, noting that Halloween costumes by definition make it almost impossible to see how old the children are.

Danville Police Lt. John Henderson said police will generally leave the trick-or-treaters alone — as long as they are behaving.

“We’re not going to be out busting trick-or-treaters,” Henderson said. “At least, not until we get a complaint.”

Pittsylvania County doesn’t have any ordinances restricting ages of trick-or-treaters, but Sherrie Crews of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said there might be some ordinances in individual cities or towns within the county.

“Many of us remember hearing about an ordinance regarding age, but there are none that apply to the county or state,” Crews said.

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office has issued some tips to make the day safer for children and their parents:

Children

• Wear light colored reflective clothing.

• Carry a source of light such as a flashlight or glow stick.

• Don’t wear sight-restricting masks or clothing.

• Don’t go out alone.

• Don’t go with strangers.

• Don’t get in strange vehicles.

• Don’t go to strange houses.

• Don’t eat fruit, unwrapped candies or baked goods until you check with your parents.

Adults

•  Accompany your children when they trick or treat if possible.

•  If you are giving out treats for the holiday, have your door and walkway well lighted for the children.

• Don’t give fruit or unwrapped candies or baked goods.

• Check all of your children’s goodies before they eat them. (And parents — don’t take all of the good stuff for yourself.)