From blinding strobe lights to persistent trick-or-treaters, and thunderous music well into the night, the local “curtain twitchers” will be on the prowl
As the spookiest time of year approaches, households across the UK are eagerly decking out their homes with ghostly decorations and preparing for lively Halloween festivities. However, eager revellers could be in for a frightful surprise, as their over-the-top displays and raucous parties may land them in legal trouble with hefty fines of up to £10,150.
From blinding strobe lights to persistent trick-or-treaters, and thunderous music well into the night, the local “curtain twitchers” will be on the prowl, ready to pounce on any Halloween hijinks that disturb the peace. According to HCB Solicitors, a leading UK law firm, these spooky antics could result in a variety of fines and legal actions, potentially putting a damper on the season’s frights and delights.
“Not everybody loves Halloween and may not welcome bright lights shining in from their neighbour,” explained Rob Price, Head of Litigation Department at HCB Solicitors. “A statutory light nuisance claim can be made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if artificial light interferes with the use or enjoyment of another home. In cases where your lights are causing issues for your neighbours, you may be served with legal notice and if you do not tone down or remove your decorations you can be fined up to £5,000.”
Some households may display a “no trick or treating” sign, but if people choose to ignore the sign and continue to knock repeatedly, “this could be seen as harassment. In some cases this can result in a fine, the amount of which depends on a variety of factors including the impact on the defendant and the seriousness of the offence,” Price warned.
If you are hosting a Halloween party, make sure you turn down the volume between the hours of 11pm and 7am as “these are what are known as unsociable hours and can result in a warning from your local council and in other cases a Noise Abatement Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if these are ignored you could be fined up to £5,000,” according to Price.
“While Halloween is a time for fun and festivities, it’s essential to balance celebration with consideration for your neighbours,” warned Price. “Bright Halloween lights, persistent knocking on doors despite ‘no trick-or-treating’ signs, and loud noise during unsociable hours can all lead to legal issues. By being mindful of these regulations and showing respect for your community, you can ensure your Halloween celebrations are both enjoyable and trouble-free.”
After the celebrations are over, decorations will need to come down, and that includes removing any rotting carved pumpkins. If you leave your pumpkins outside your property, this could result in a littering or waste fine of £150 (£75 if paid within 7 days).