Staff writer
A Peabody city ordinance aimed at reducing Halloween vandalism requires that children younger than 18 get off the streets at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 and stay off until 5:30 a.m. Nov. 1.
“Kids can be out if they are accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian,” Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke said. “Siblings or friends 18 or older will not qualify as a proper escort for those younger than 18.”
Burke also said the HUB will be host to a Halloween party that end at midnight.
“We are asking parents to pick up their children and take them home,” he said. “In the past we have allowed kids to be out after curfew if they were on a direct route home after an event. This year we won’t allow that. They need to make arrangements to have their parents or another adult come pick them up at the HUB.”
Burke said that in years past, children younger than 18 have been allowed to leave a private party or school gathering and walk home as long as they use the most direct route. However, that tends to happen when Halloween falls on a school night and the special event is over before midnight.
“The curfew will be strictly enforced this year,” he said.