Trick or treating for some of the world’s most supernaturally special sweets has become a major global institution, yet nearly half of Brits (46%) reportedly suffer from ‘doorstep dread’ of spooky visitors, reports Neill Barston.

In response to a survey from UK challenger confectionery brand, Bebeto, respondents claimed they would rather sit and watch TV in silence, or sit in silence to avoid detection from Halloween hopefuls.

More than one in two (53%) admit to using “stealth tactics” on Halloween: 29% leave sweets outside, 27% pretend not to be home and 26% turn off their lights. Repeated knocking and distress caused to pets are also among the nation’s leading seasonal frustrations.

London-based Ian Prosser knows the feeling. He said: “I’ve tried sitting in the back room in the dark with the TV volume turned down to make the house look empty. It was complete misery. Not only did I spend my 60th birthday hiding away, but kids were still banging on the door and ringing the bell regardless. You feel like a hostage in your own home.”

Notably, Ian is among the 48% of Londoners who feel pressure from neighbours to hand out sweets, compared with 35% nationally. Leeds is another hotspot as 46% feel expected to take part.

Regional research also reveals Plymouth as Britain’s Halloween avoidance capital, with 29% of residents saying they dislike or avoid the occasion. Almost half (48%) switch off their lights to make it appear that nobody is home, while similar “blackout” tactics are seen in Bristol (43%) and Brighton (40%).

Significantly, in response, Bebeto has unveiled its ‘Scrooge Sweetener’ a playful Halloween stop sign with an integrated sweet bucket. Households can fill the station with Bebeto Halloween treats, including the brand’s new Boo Crew Foamies; soft, dual-coloured foam gummies in six spooky character shapes; and leave it outside for trick-or-treaters to help themselves while enjoying an uninterrupted evening indoors

The launch comes as 84% believe trick-or-treaters, or their parents, would use a self-serve station respectfully. Nearly six in 10 adults (59%) say a front-door sign with a built-in sweet bucket would offer relief from unwanted knocking.

Ian added: “Halloween is my birthday, so I’d rather not be answering the door every few minutes. The Scrooge Sweetener is the perfect compromise: local children can enjoy Bebeto sweets, while I can celebrate in peace. No knocks, just treats.”

Brits favour key season
Notably, as the study revealed, Britain – which in fact founded the original tradition of Halloween, is far from actually being anti the season – with 73% of people saying they liked the occasion, with some 79 per cent noting that trick or treating was common in their local area. The Scrooge Sweetener offers a way to preserve that tradition and the joy experienced from it, without making full participation feel compulsory.

Phil Hulme, Commercial Director for Bebeto UK, commented: “Trick-or-treating is a much-loved Halloween tradition, but repeated doorstep knocks can take the fun out of the evening for some households. The Scrooge Sweetener is our playful answer: a simple way to keep treats flowing for local communities across the UK while allowing people to enjoy Halloween on their own terms.”

To claim a Bebeto Scrooge Sweetener, visit www.bebeto.co.uk/pages/halloween. Explore Bebeto’s Halloween range and discover the new Boo Crew Foamies, soft, dual-coloured foam gummies in six spooky character shapes, perfect for trick-or-treating.