Topline:
Beverly Hills has imposed an annual ban on the possession of silly string, shaving cream, shaving gel and hair removal products on Halloween for those under the age of 21. The ban will be enforced every year from 6 a.m. Oct. 31 to 6 a.m. Nov. 1. It would not impact those selling the products from their business.
Why the ban: In previous years, visitors have come armed with silly string, shaving cream, hair removal products for the scary-night festivities, giving the police department some cause for concern. In the past, the misuse of these products has led to injuries and property damage, according to Mayor Julian Gold.
Enforcement: “We're going to have places clearly marked where if people do show up with any of these products, they can dump them so that they're not within the area of this witch's house,” Gold said.”People found with the product are just going to be asked to relinquish it so that they can go about their business and enjoy the moment, but without the product.”
If they do not comply, he said, they would just be educated a second — or even third — time.
With its dilapidated exterior straight out of a spooky tale, Beverly Hills’ Spadena House, also known as the Witch’s House, has become a popular haunt for Halloween scare seekers.
In previous years, Beverly Hills Mayor Julian Gold says visitors have come to the house armed with silly string, shaving cream and hair removal products on Halloween night, giving the city’s police department some cause for concern.
This year, the city has imposed an annual ban on the foamy products. The ban applies to those under the age of 21 and will be enforced every year from 6 a.m. Oct. 31 to 6 a.m. Nov. 1. It would not impact those selling the products.
The backstory
The first instance of the ban goes back to Halloween 2020.
When implementing restrictions on spooky celebrations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the city included another rule: No spraying of shaving cream on another person, except by a barber.
With pandemic-era restrictions easing, the city saw an increase in the misuse of these items, resulting in injuries and damages to property, according to city documents.
Gold said with this ban, the city hopes visitors will still have a fun experience, but also protect public safety.
“We're going to have places clearly marked where if people do show up with any of these products, they can dump them so that they're not within the area of this Witch's House,” Gold said. ”People found with the product are just going to be asked to relinquish it so that they can go about their business and enjoy the moment, but without the product.”
While there is no penalty for those caught with the products, Gold said "we really do want to keep everybody safe and so if you do intend to come to Beverly Hills and share Halloween with us, just know what the rules are and come have a good time."
What's next
The city is beginning an education outreach campaign, which would include contacting the Beverly Hills Unified School District and the use of social media to highlight the ban.
