Letter to the editor

Publication title: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Publication date: April 7, 2000
Document type: Letter
Transcribed by: MW

I AM a raver. I'd like to tell you that raves aren't all about drugs. They are about meeting new people, having fun and expressing yourself. I have been in bars and since I've been to raves I haven't stepped foot in a bar. They just aren't safe. They don't have many security guards, they don't search people and they don't care for the patrons. At my favourite after-hours club, Therapy, they truly care tor you. They have very elaborate searches to check for drugs and weapons. They take everyone's ID and take a picture of it; everyone must be at least 16 to get in. I have seen them turn people away if they aren't of the required age or if they do not have ID. Furthermore, no alcohol is served at these events. Also, they have security cameras throughout the club and each security guard has an earpiece so they can communicate with each other. The bars that I have seen do not have any of these to provide a safe environment. It’s like a culture. Everyone you meet is friendly and caring, not like in a bar with a bunch of drunk, out-of-control people. I'd hate to see a great thing like a rave be shut down because of a few irresponsible kids. What about all the drunk drivers who come home from bars and end up killing innocent people because of their ignorance? When writing your articles about raves, talk to the ravers to got both sides of the story. The good and the bad. Since I have been raving I have seen the scene take only bad hits about drugs on the news and in the papers. Not once have I seen anyone in the media say a good thing about raves.

J. M.

(You make bars out to be dungeons full of idiots. That’s hardly fair.)