Law §

The legal background - may one go from door to door?

We, from halloween.at, are also concerned with the legal background! Do parents need to worry about their children when they go from door to door? Is this allowed in Austria? What about the youth protection regulations? Soliciting?

Many thanks to the D.A.S. (legal services), which answered our questions!

The term "hawking" refers the commercial peddling goods from door to door, or even begging. This is also now in Austria to become a Halloween activity and is generally not equivalent to the offense of peddling.

During the customs of Halloween, especially when the children and young people wander, the relevant domestic legislation of the state (child protection laws) must be observed. For example, the Vienna Youth Protection Act in 2002, intended for persons under the age of 18, states to show photo identification when required.

Staying at public places and visiting public events, if clients are young people up to the age of 14, is only permitted in the period between 5:00 until 22:00. From the age of 14 up to 16, only in a time between 5:00 until 1:00. Outside these times, young people up to 16 years of age, must be accompanied with an adult or have a justifiable reason (such as exist, for example, going home). In case of violation by the young people, the parents and any accompanying persons, as well as entrepreneurs and organizers, will be punished. A possible warning may be considered, the youth may be charged with attending an advisory and information meeting or a fine.

Furthermore, it is important to note that young people from the are of 14 have criminal responsibility, and can be prosecuted for vandalism and other crimes.

For more information about the respective states, see

http://www.jugendinfo.cc/landkarten.asp