Middletown's Strict Teen Halloween Curfew Returns In 2017

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Summer technically isn't even over yet, but Middletown parents, it's already time to start thinking about Halloween. Last week, the Township Committee reinstated Middletown's strict Halloween curfew. It's a curfew that's been on the books in Middletown for years now, and one that was specifically created to prevent local teens from causing mischief.

The ordinance was approved at the Aug. 21 Township Committee meeting and states that:

"No person under the age of 18 years shall be upon any of the public streets, highways, alleys, parks or other public places in the Township of Middletown, either on foot or in or upon any type of conveyance, unless such person is accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or legal custodian between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on October 30th and 31st."

This means that any teen caught driving on Middletown roads after 8 p.m. on Halloween and Mischief Night without a parent in the car can be pulled over by Middletown police.

Middletown Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger said he fully supports the curfew. It's been in place for several years now in Middletown, and so far has received little criticism from Middletown parents.

"It's not something we enforce with an iron fist. If a teen has to say, drive to work at the Applebee's on Oct. 30 or Oct. 31st, we are understanding of that type of situation," he told Patch. "We put this in place for the safety of our teens."

Middletown has had issues with mischief and vandalism in Halloweens past, he said.

"It hasn't been anything too serious, but other towns have actually had kids get hurt," said Scharfenberger.

Many nearby towns have similar Halloween curfews. On October 29th, 30th, and 31st last year, all Hazlet residents under eighteen had to be home between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors who broke the rule were subject to mandatory community service, and a fine up to $1,000.

Middletown is not that tough: According to Police Chief R. Craig Weber, officers will either just take the teens home or ask parents to come pick them up.

For the past several years now, a Brick Township ordinance sets a curfew for juveniles of 8 p.m. from Friday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 1. The only exceptions are when a child age 15 or younger is accompanied by a parent or guardian, or when the child is coming from a school event — and they must have a note for that.

Photos: Top: Wikimedia Commons / Anders Lagerås Bottom: Image via Carissa Rogers, flickr.