Delmarva residents react: How old is too old to trick-or-treat?

DAGSBORO, Del. – “I don’t think there should be an age limit I think let kids be kids as long as they can,” said Pocomoke City resident Diana Muir.

“If you’re 13 you don’t need to go out trick or treating getting a bunch of candy, that’s for little kids,” said Salisbury resident Debbie Miller.

It’s a hot topic that’s striking up a lot of conversation, how old is too old for trick or treating?

“I don’t think there should be a limit on that it’s unlimited fun no matter what age you are,” said Salisbury resident Michael Derr.

After reports came out that some teens across the country could face  jail time if they’re caught going door to door looking for candy, we decided to find out some rules and regulations some towns here on the eastern shore had in place for trick-or-treaters. And although most town officials we spoke to say their penalties aren’t as harsh, most are putting an age cap on the Halloween tradition.

“We do 12 and under and we feel like teenagers really do not have any business out trick or treating at that point unless they’re looking for trouble,” said Dagsboro Town Administrator Cynthia Brought.

Brought says trick-or-treaters in Dagsboro also only have from 6PM to 8 PM to get as much candy as they can. But she says these rules are all for good reason.

“We feel like those are reasonable hours where you’re not going to have child predators in the area looking for children walking around late at night,” Brought said.

And some residents across Delmarva agree.

“I think that’s a good idea, we’re living in a wicked world and you just can’t trust anybody anymore,” said Miller.

But whatever you end up doing on the frightful night officials want everyone to remember the rules and stay safe.

“I think it all comes down to common sense, how late you should be out because its never safe at a certain point in the night but as long as you use common sense and you’re in a group I say you’re all good,” said Derr.

If you’re not sure what restrictions and time limits your exact town has in place, you’re encouraged to call in to speak with your local town officials to find out.