Halloween enthusiasts face fines up to £10,150 for disruptive celebrations

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, households 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 homes may put up a "no trick or treating" sign, but if individuals choose to disregard the sign and persistently knock, "this could be seen as harassment. In some instances this can lead to a fine, the amount of which depends on various factors including the impact on the defendant and the severity of the offence," Price cautioned.

If you're throwing a Halloween party, ensure you lower the noise between 11pm and 7am as "these are considered unsociable