The Town Board has determined that large numbers of minors and
others have been congregating in the Town after dark at Halloween
time, causing general disturbances to residents. In order to reduce
juvenile crime, protect minors from improper influences and criminal
activity that prevail after the curfew hour, reinforce parental authority
and reduce damage to property, it is necessary that a curfew be established
to keep minors out of public areas after dark at Halloween time.
It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of 18 to remain
in or upon any public street, highway, park, vacant lot or other public
place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on October 30,
October 31 and November 1.
The following shall constitute valid exceptions to the operation
of the curfew:
A. At any time if the child is accompanied by his or her parent, legal
guardian or other responsible person who is over the age of 21 and
approved by the child's parent or legal guardian.
B. Until the hour of 12:30 a.m. if the child is on an errand as directed
by his or her parent or legal guardian.
C. If the child is legally employed, for the period from 1/2 hour after
work while going directly between his or her home and place of employment.
This exception shall also apply if the child is in a public place
during curfew hours in the course of his or her employment. To come
under this exception, the child must be carrying a written statement
from the employer attesting to the place and hours of employment.
D. Until the hour of 12:30 a.m. if the child is on the property of or
the sidewalk directly adjacent to the building in which he or she
resides or the buildings immediately adjacent thereto if the owner
of the adjacent building has not objected to the minor.
E. If the child is coming directly home from a school activity or an
activity of a religious or other voluntary association or a place
of public entertainment, such as a movie, play or sporting event.
This exception will apply for 1/2 hour after the completion of such
event, but in no case beyond 12:30 a.m. If the event is not commercial
in nature or does not have a fixed, publicly known time at which it
will end, the sponsoring organization must register the event with
the New York State Police or the Columbia County Sheriff's Department
at least 24 hours in advance, informing it of the time such event
is scheduled to begin, the place at which it shall be held, the time
at which it shall end and the name of the sponsoring organization.