City counselors in the New Brunswick province of Canada have issued a new law that has gone into effect as of Oct. 3.

The law will ban teens over the age of 16 from trick-or-treating this year.

Also, the law includes a curfew of 8 p.m. and people who disobey the law will be charged a fine of $200.

This is a more refined version of the same law made in 2005 that banned kids 14 years and up with a 7 p.m. curfew, but that one was never really enforced.

According to the Today website, the deputy mayor, Kim Chamberlain, does not like the idea of having the law at all.

Chamberlain says the city is “overstepping its boundaries to govern holiday traditions.”

The city counselors say the law is more to secure the safety of the elderly.

There is no explanation on what happened to bring about the law however.

The law probably went into effect after citizens complained that the teens going around for candy were threatening or more intimidating than kids.

I do understand why parents might be afraid to open their doors to teens asking for candy since they are much bigger and scarier in costume.

I agree that parents should allow kids to enjoy their childhood traditions for as long as they can.

They should also get them to understand that trick-or-treating is not the only way to spend Halloween.

Though traditional trick-or-treating is fun, there is a certain time when it becomes old and teens need a new refresher.

Teens with younger siblings can still enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating by taking them around neighborhoods to collect candy which is a better alternative to asking for candy themselves.

They still have the choice of getting to experience the tradition but in a different way.

I also feel that teens tend to grow out of things easily and will learn when something is not for them anymore. They will develop a more mature mentality over time and realize trick-or-treating may not be for them.

Trunk-or-treats are also more forgiving to older kids as it is in the open and even parents participate in asking for a piece of candy. Not only is it fun but it gives everyone a chance to get treats.

Another alternative to trick-or-treating would be to just get together with friends and have a small party.

Watching Halloween movies with popcorn and your own pieces of candy is a fun way to spend the holiday.

What I enjoy doing is having a potluck type of party with my closest friends and telling cheesy scary stories in the dark.

We also watch some stereotypical and classic horror movies to lighten the mood after some real gory and newer movies.

Not only do I get to spend a great holiday with the people I enjoy the most, but also without the hassle of having to go around and ask for candy. Anyone can find these alternatives even more fun than the old way.