Halloween Discussion Forums, Costumes, Horror!

Just share your opinion here.... Why is it that most haunted attractions require everyone to be 18 year old? And also, if anyone is 16 year old and have been acting in haunted houses for 5 years, then why is it that still with a parent approval and proper permits will they still not let them work there?

I guess I don't go to the kinds of haunted attractions you are talking about. I haven't seen age limits around here. Of course, we mainly do the ones sponsored by Parks & Recreation. They have suggested ages for their two different "haunted" hayrides, but I don't think they forbid people to take their young children on the scarier one.

I know that teenagers, sometimes very young teens, can go into the haunted houses I hear about up in Nashville during the season. I don't think the R-rated ones have made it into these parts.

I got a feedback from someone....


For 3 reasons....

1st - Some insurance policies contains limitations when it comes to employees who are minors.

2nd - You are also required to get a Child Labor Certificate - Class II from your state's Dept. of Labor.

3rd - It's not easy to find minors that are not only mature for their age, but can also scare adults.

Hope we hang there, in less than 2 years, the haunts will be begging for your help.

Well, that makes sense. Employing minors is a lot more complicated legally than employing 18-yr-olds.

Still, in some ways this seasonal work seems tailor-made for youth, doesn't it? I don't see why it should be any more difficult than employing 16-yr-olds at the water park, or at MacDonald's.

Then there is also the curfew thing... many states have curfew that is before most haunts close for those under 18.

Someone told me he actually had a friend and his girlfriend get taken to jail when he was taking them home from a cd midnight party when they were in high school. (He was 18, and his friends were 17)... their parents ended up getting fined too.

Some underage actors can be amazing at the haunt job though...

Gosh, I don't think we have the curfew around here. Only w/re/to driving--I recall having to write notes for my older son when he was in high school band, saying he had permission to drive himself home from his high school after the football game.