We recently reported that Knott's Berry Farm has announced that their new chaperone policy for under 18s will be in place for every evening of the upcoming Knott's Scary Farm event which kicks off on September 22 and runs on select nights until October 31, 2022. Along with this, they have also annouced that they have added a new bag policy for the event.
It now states very clearly in the KNOTT'S BERRY FARM CODE OF CONDUCT that "Guests will not be permitted to bring bags larger than 6.5” x 4.5” x 2” into the park, including purses, backpacks, or diaper bags during Scary Farm operation. All bags will be searched prior to entry."
Now, this new bag policy has caused a bit of a stir with numerous guests who are struggling to work out how they will be able to take their essential items with them to the event in a bag with maximum measurements of 6.5” x 4.5” x 2”.
One concerned reader has contacted us to say:
"Yesterday Knott's Berry Farm released their tickets for Knott's Scary Farm. The original Halloween event that's beloved by many people, both locals and visitors alike. However, to many of us there was an unexpected issue that severely dampened our excitement.
Knott has implemented a bag policy for all Scary Farm events, but the bag allowed (6.5" x 4.5" x 2") is so small that women are now struggling to figure out how to bring even their absolute essentials into the event. It's no secret that most fashion does not give women practical, safe pockets that can be safely closed.
Women are now measuring their phones, their sanitary products, medicines, valid ID, keys etc to figure out how to fit everything. This of course completely disregards items that we would like to bring like makeup to freshen up through the night, hand sanitizer, tissues, powerbank to ensure your phone doesn't run out of battery, storage for any beverage or snack that you might buy through the evening etc."
This has understandably caused some guests concerns and as far as we know there hasn't been a bag policy in place at the Knott's Scary Farm event in the past:
"As far as I know there hasn't been any strict policy regulating bag sizes like this before. Last year there was plenty of people with both medium rucksacks, mini backpacks (such as Loungefly bags), crossbody bags etc."
Whilst we understand Knott's Berry Farm's decision to implement a bag policy in the interest of safety it does lead people to ask, should there be such a restrictive bag policy in place at Knott's Scary Farm and does this new bag policy for Knott's Scary Farm discriminate against women?
The reader who contacted us continued by saying:
"Sure in the bigger picture it's a small issue, but it can't be ignored that this new policy hits women harder than men. And I for one don't want to depend on bringing a man with me just for his practical pockets. I simply shouldn't have to do that. After searching online for hours I have yet to even find a single bag that would both hold my necessary items and fulfil Knott's new policy.
Knott's Berry Farm have themselves not yet commented on the growing concerns of their female fans, but it's my dearest hope that with enough exposure they might agree to make some adjustments."
We are aware that it is not only women that could be concerned by this, for any guest who needs to bring medicines or inhalers or usually decides to bring a range of items which they require to the event, they are now having to make a decision about what to do.
We assume that there is a good reason for Knott's Berry Farm to have put this strict bag policy in place. Having researched Universal's Halloween Horror Nights there doesn't appear to be a bag policy in place there so this does seem unusual. We have reached out to Knott's Berry Farm to ask the reasoning behind their decision and we await their reply.
Let us know your thoughts, Should there be such a restrictive bag policy in place at Knott's Scary Farm? Does the bag policy discriminate against women? Vote in our two polls below and let us know you thoughts by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.
Comments
I have a medical condition that requires that I carry certain meds and an inhaler with me at all times, so in addition to to discriminating against women, they are discriminating against people with disabilities. This policy is not only preposterous; it seems to have the potential to violate ADA and/or other equal rights legislation.
Agreed! I have the same situation and was thinking the same thing. I'm disappointed in the author for making so many great points, but missing this one. I'm so glad you said it!
Thank you for your comment, I have updated the article to include medicines and inhalers but was assuming that necessary medications would be deemed essential and would therefore not be included in this bag policy.
How am I supposed to carry my sanitary pads, medication, phone etc.??
Was considering buying a Knott's backpack once inside the park. Would they really stop you from wearing a backpack if you purchased it inside the park? Technically, I would not have brought it into the park, per their policy. I really don't want to be carrying my battery pack, cables, and especially my medicine in my hands all night long. I really hope Knott's reconsiders this terrible policy.