Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jul 2001
Source: Milton Canadian Champion (Ontario, Canada)
Copyright: 2001 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Website: http://www.haltonsearch.com/
Contact:  191 Main Street, Milton, L9T 4N9, Ontario, Canada
Phone: 905-878-2341
Fax: 905-876-2364
Author: Fannie Sunshine

ALL-NIGHT CLUBS CAN POSE SAFETY RISKS, WARN POLICE

Even though all-night dance parties aren't held in Milton, party goers must 
be aware of the potential safety risks associated with them.

"One of the problems is the labeling of raves," said Halton Regional Police 
Superintendent Dan Okuloski.

"Burlington has a number of night clubs that play that type of music 
(trance) and are darkly lit."

Young adults from Milton frequent all-night clubs in Toronto and 
surrounding areas and must be conscience of a number of health and safety 
risks, he said.

"Watch out for illegal drugs. Sexual assaults are common because of the 
poor lighting. Dehydration is also a problem."

Supt. Okuloski said awareness and education of all night parties to parents 
and party goers must be addressed.

"People will make bad choices. A lot of parents think since alcohol isn't 
involved it's (parties) a safe place. Sometimes parents don't know where 
their kids are going. They'll say they're staying at a friend's house and 
then stay out all night."

Mixing drugs such as speed, ecstasy (MDMA) and rohypnol -- the "date rape" 
drug -- can have devastating consequences, Supt. Okuloski said.

"Ecstasy is the trend at the moment (for raves). We have to jump on the 
band wagon and educate the public. A 20, 21 year old should know what's 
going on. If you're going to go to one of these parties, know how to deal 
with situations. That's the message we're trying to get across."

If people decide to attend all-night parties, make sure to drink plenty of 
water and stay with a trusted friend at all times, he said.

"Parents should also be on the lookout to see if their kids are wearing 
(baby) soothers around their necks. People wear soothers when they take 
ecstasy because you grind your teeth when you're on that drug. It's 
something to look out for."
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