A SUPERMARKET in Powys will not sell eggs or flour to teenagers and children over the Hallowe’en weekend, fearing it may lead to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Tesco in Llandrindod Wells has announced it will not sell eggs or flour to anyone aged under 18 from Saturday, October 28, to Wednesday, November 1.
A post appeared on the popular Llandrindod Solutions Facebook community page on Wednesday (October 25) announcing the news.
Richard Vellacott, the store’s community champion, said: “At Tesco Llandrindod Wells, from this Saturday, 28th of October, until Wednesday the 1st of November, we will not be selling flour or eggs to anyone under the age of 18-years-old.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The announcement was accompanied by a poster featuring animated characters holding eggs and flour, with the message ‘Trick or treat? Be a nice monster’.
The poster stated: “Police will take action against anyone committing acts of anti-social behaviour. We want everyone to enjoy Hallowe’en.”
The poster has been backed by Dyfed Powys Police, but Tesco’s decision has been met largely with disdain and humour by local residents, with one replying: “Madness, anyone under 18 who wants to get it will now go in and get it before the dates stated.”
Others claim that eggs and flour are vital components that make up ‘Mischief Night’ – an informal holiday on which children, teenagers and adults engage in jokes, pranks and vandalism, or host parties.
Mischief Night has connotations to both Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night and has traditionally taken place on the night before either holiday – October 30 or November 4.
Commenting on Mr Vellacott’s post, one poster said: “Mischief Night is the night before so make sure you stock up beforehand kids.
“Get some sweets in for Hallowe’en you lot so the kids won’t need baking goods.”
Another lamented: “No-one is allowed any fun anymore.”
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She added: “That's hilarious, seeing as though Mischief Night was always historically on the 4th November, owing to the rebellious plot of Guy Fawkes. The night before bonfire night. Back on sale just in time.
“My grandad used to tell me fantastic stories of stuff they would get up to on Mischief Night, including tying string to different houses door handles and then knocking on them both. Then hiding and watching in total amusement of the mischief they'd caused.”
Mischief Night is known by a variety of different names, including Noson Ddrygioni (Evil Night) in Welsh, and Mizzy Night in Liverpool.
Other names for it across the world include Goosey Night, Cabbage Night, Devil's Night and Mystery Night.
Tesco has been approached for comment.
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