So, with “All Hallows’ Eve” fast approaching, the question is, have you ever woken up in the night to find a massive pair of hairy “ghoulies” dangling in your face? If so, you might well be one of the millions of UK residents who embrace the spooky season with elaborate decorations (either that or your partner needs some grooming advice).
However, according to a new report, homeowners must be mindful that they may face hefty fines if their Halloween displays pose a risk to others.
Yep, while marketers the land over try to get parents to cough up for Halloween tat, apparently you could be legally liable for any accidents caused by decorations, whether it’s tripping hazards, falling objects, or poorly lit areas that could result in injuries. In the past, there have been cases where councils have issued fines or residents have faced legal claims due to unsafe decorations, so there!
Luckily help is at hand from, of all places, the Brussels Morning news website, whose study claims that while decorating can add festive cheer, safety must come first. (Look, it’s Friday and I need to bash this out sharpish before lunchtime.)
Anyway, it states: “Decorating for Halloween can be a wonderful way to celebrate, but homeowners should be aware that liability doesn’t take a holiday. Ensuring decorations are securely placed, do not obstruct pathways, and are well-lit can help to prevent accidents and avoid the possibility of fines or legal actions.”
And, apparently, the bogeymen of UK councils and neighbourhood associations are expected to issue further warnings as the holiday season approaches, urging homeowners to consider safety when decorating. A fine may be issued to property owners found in violation of local regulations, particularly if decorations are left in areas that obstruct pathways, driveways, or public pavements.
So, if you’re looking for top tips for safe Halloween decorating – to avoid potential fines and ensure it’s safe for visitors and trick-or-treaters – look no further:
Ensure Pathways are Clear: Decorations should not obstruct walkways or create tripping hazards.
Secure All Items: Inflatable or heavy items should be secured to avoid being knocked over.
Light it Up: Ensure all walkways are well-lit, especially near steps or uneven ground.
Keep Decorations Away from Fire Hazards: Use LED candles instead of real flames and keep decorations away from open flames.
Check Local Guidelines: Many councils provide guidelines on safe decorating practices, so check your local authority’s website for specific advice.
And with property owners potentially liable for penalties of up to £50,000 if their negligence leads to injury, digging out the pumpkin, plastic ghouls and witches’ brooms and putting them on your driveway could actually have pretty scary financial consequences if it all goes tits-up.
Then again, you could always take the Michael Myers approach to Halloween instead…
Follow Foxy on X and Instagram if you must, but don’t get too excited as I’m never there
