Patrick Brennan

pbrennan@enquirer.com

Halloween masks and other facial coverings won't be permitted on Cincinnati's streetcar.

The forthcoming autumn and early winter holidays bring with them new rules and regulations for the Cincinnati Bell Connector. Facial coverings for Halloween costumes have been banned due to safety and security concerns, according to a Tuesday news release from the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority.

Only small children and those observing religious or cultural customs are exempt from the Halloween rules.

"People can wear costumes, just not masks or hoods covering their faces," said Cincinnati Metro spokeswoman Sallie Hilvers in a Thursday email.

The new rule will likely impact riders seeking Halloween revelry this weekend. Rhinegeist Brewery at 1910 Elm St. has a streetcar stop directly outside its building and is just one of the businesses hosting a Halloween gathering.

Come the holiday season, residents along the streetcar route are being asked to use caution when hanging decoration and holiday lights.

"If you are working within 10 feet of the overhead power lines or near the tracks, you must secure a track access permit," officials said in the news release.

To obtain a track access permit or for information, contact:

• CB Connector Transportation/Safety & Security Manager, 513-206-7825

• CB Connector Administrative Manager, 513-206-7827

• For more information about other permits that may be required, call the City of Cincinnati Permit Office at 513-352-3463, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Correction: The new rules and regulation for the streetcar were issued by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, not the city of Cincinnati.