Washington Township Carnival Law Amended

The Washington Township Council approved changes to the town's amusement law before a circus comes to town next year.

The changes include an increase in the amount of insurance required for anyone planning to hold a carnival, circus or similar event in the township. Previously, insurance protecting the public from damage or injury for at least $500,000 per occurance and $25,000 for property damage was required. The amended law requires $5 million per occurance for damage or injuries to the public and $1 million property damage.

A new application fee was also added for carnivals and circuses, to cover the township's expenses. The fee is $150 for events expecting 150 or fewer attendees or $150 plus $100 for every additional 100 expected attendees.

The amendments came in advance of a circus planned to be held next spring at the Bergen County YJCC on Pascack Road.

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