Watervliet proposes Halloween curfew

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The city of Watervliet has put forth a proposal to establish a curfew on Halloween. If approved, the ordinance would make it illegal for a minor to be in public unsupervised after 10 p.m. on both October 30 and October 31.

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.

"The City Council, in consultation with the Watervliet Police Department, determines that a narrowly tailored temporary curfew will reduce these risks, promote public safety, and protect the welfare of minors and residents," the proposal stated.

The curfew would restrict minors from remaining, loitering, wandering, strolling or playing in any public place in Watervliet between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day on October 30 and October 31. During those same hours, minors would also not be allowed to drive or be a passenger in a car driving without a set destination.

NEWS 10's Amber Fisher sat down with Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli, who said "We take your safety seriously. We really want you to have fun, but we really do take it seriously. And we want everyone to go home safe and sound. You know, at the end of the night, and have a great time."

The curfew would not apply to minors accompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian, the proposal said. Exceptions would also be made for minors attending or traveling to or from their place of employment; attending or traveling immediately to or from an organized school, church, club or similar registered event; or running an emergency errand directed by a parent, guardian or custodian.

If a minor is found violating the curfew, a police officer would take down the minor's name and address, warn the minor of the violation and then advise the minor to return home immediately. The officer would also try to notify the minor's parent, guardian or custodian, the proposed ordinance said.

The proposal will be discussed at a City Council meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Watervliet Senior Citizen Center, according to officials. The full proposed ordinance can be viewed below: