Pubdate: Thu, 05 Oct 2000
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  #250, 4990-92 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 3A1 Canada
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Authors: Davis Sheremata and Maria McClintock

NO PLANS TO REGULATE RAVES, EVANS SAYS

Four months ago a suggestion that the province ban all-ages rave parties 
was hot and trendy.

But in the fast-dancing rave world, fashions change in the blink of an eye. 
And just like the dance music of the summer of 2000, the age-split idea is 
now stale and out of style.

In June, a two-day public forum in Edmonton and Calgary recommended that 
Children's Services Minister Iris Evans sponsor regulations splitting raves 
into all-adults and all-minors.

Evans had promised to take the idea to caucus. But yesterday she said the 
age split is no longer an option, along with any other laws on raves.

"We will not be - at least there are no plans - to do anything in 
legislation on raves," Evans said.

Instead, the province will let individual cities and towns set their own 
rules to govern raves.

"Communities believe ... they are able to handle the issue with their own 
bylaws, their own planning and their own work with the youths," Evans said.

"I'm very satisfied that is the best way, especially since they are in the 
driver's seat with their communities and they don't believe they need 
anything bigger."

Mayor Bill Smith applauded the province for waiting to see what direction 
the city takes.

"I think that makes sense to see what we've done.

"I'm sure Minister Evans will support what we're doing," said Smith. Smith 
said the province may still have a role to play.

"I think it's important that both levels of government are looking at this 
because it is a concern - a huge concern around drugs. Anybody who thinks 
this is just about dancing - it's absolutely not," added Smith.

A city committee made up of rave organizers and members of the community is 
expected to table recommendations about possible new regulations for raves 
Oct. 24.
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