Raves get scrutiny from city

Phair seeks review of safety policies

Publication title: Edmonton Journal

Pages: B3                  

Section: City

Publication date: Apr 1, 2000

ProQuest document ID: 252806774

Copyright: Copyright Southam Publications Inc. Apr 1, 2000

Author: Farrell, Jim

Abstract:

There are no similar controls on youth dances, which can be all- night affairs where drugs are sometimes consumed by 13- and 14-year- olds, Coun. Michael Phair said Friday.

Future permits might govern user space, fire safeguards, business licences and regulations about minimum acceptable ages, Phair said.

Full text:

A city council committee plans to study ways to control the unregulated and often rowdy youth dances known as raves.

According to a briefing paper prepared by city officials, which will be presented Wednesday to council's executive committee, adult dance halls that serve liquor have plenty of controls placed on them. They must prove to the city's Emergency Response Department that adequate safety measures are in place to protect staff and patrons in the event of fires.

To get an operating licence, adult dance halls must also prove to city officials their management staff is trusted by police.

There are no similar controls on youth dances, which can be all- night affairs where drugs are sometimes consumed by 13- and 14-year- olds, Coun. Michael Phair said Friday.

"There are two underlying issues," Phair said. "One is that they're places for young people to go which do not serve alcohol but they may operate next to or in the same building as licensed premises. There's concern the youth will go between the two places and be preyed on with drugs, alcohol and sex.

"There's also concern they can stay open as late as they want, so there are associated concerns about noise and drug use."

Phair is already collecting information from city officials and other cities across Canada that already have regulations in place governing youth dances.

"We have to put in regulations which provide direction," he said. "Parents and police who appeared before the committee the last time this issue was discussed said it's not acceptable to leave it as it is."

Future permits might govern user space, fire safeguards, business licences and regulations about minimum acceptable ages, Phair said.