A rchive Date
[ 11-06-2000 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Canada ]
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[Rave on with new rules
By RICK BELL -- Calgary Sun
June 6, 2000
Rules for raves in Calgary should be in place within the month along with a task force, including ravers, to look at the new rules and suggest any changes by fall.
The move will mean some control of raves but banning the all-night dance parties is now a no-go. At the same time, the province will look at rave regulations for all of Alberta, with a change to its amusements law now governing theatres and travelling circuses.
These developments come after a summit meeting of about 150 ravers and government paper shufflers held in Calgary yesterday. Jack Clouse, the city's chief licence inspector who was once in quite a tizzy over amateur stripper nights, says rave rules will be presented June 21 to a city council committee.
If the committee approves, rules will quickly go to the whole city council for their green light. The rules will change the city's bylaw on concerts.
"We're putting together regulations for controlling raves. We have to get something out there," says Jack. "The issues include raves having proper fire inspection, a security plan, provision for appropriate medical service and it must be a proper venue, not a community hall among a bunch of residential buildings.
"We're also getting a sense of the appropriate age you should be to get into a rave, probably 16 and over. "Another idea getting support is no exit and re-entry after say a certain time, 2 or 3 a.m., and perhaps closing doors to new people after a certain time."
Alberta Children's Services Minister Iris Evans says she and her colleagues will consider province-wide rules. "We are open to the idea of legislation but it's important we gather all the information first," says our Iris, calling the summit "an incredible experience."
There was widespread support for some regulation. John Neis, the city's assistant fire marshal, says a weekend rave of 1,000 young partiers was held in a building with only two exits. "What would happen in a panic situation?" asks John.
"We could have people trampled to death. We need to create safe places to go. If we don't, there will be a loss of life. It's not if it will happen but when it will happen."
EMS and Calgary police also back rave rules
Colleen Klein, wife of you-know-who, does not want to rain on the ravers' revelry, though she says there may have to be a public campaign informing people of what the rave fave drug Ecstasy does.
"We need rules for the promoter trying to run an honest business and a safe haven for young people to dance. I'm all for that. If raves were banned, it opens up a can of worms. There has to be guidelines and information on drugs. But I don't want to take away the fun."
Fun. Ravers agree.
Dre Cooper and Andrea Seright, both 19 and articulate, arrive at 7:30 yesterday morning for the summit.
"All we saw were suits," says Dre. "We thought: 'Oh no, no one showed up.' "I came here thinking it would be their side against our side. I was surprised. We had the same ideas."
James Burge, a 17 year-old with bright blue hair, likes the chance to show ravers aren't monsters.
"A lot is misunderstood and blown out of proportion. We finally got a chance to say what we needed to say," says James. "I'm just as worried about people dying. We need regulations but we don't want to be shut down."
Promoters also agree. It looks like a love-in.
Keith Rubuliak says he wants "strict measures" and Andrew Moffat says "the government can help promoters deal with the explosion of raves."
Levi Stoddard, always witty, applauds the summit, verbally swiping at the Dinger's rave horror scribblings.
"The meeting was better than some articles I've read," says Levi, looking me straight in the eye.
Score one for the ravers.
The Dinger can be reached at (403) 250-4305 or by e-mail at rbell@sunpub.com
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
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