Pubdate: Sat, 10 Nov 2001 Source: Daily Herald Tribune, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2001 The Daily Herald Tribune Contact: http://www.bowesnet.com/dht/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/804 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves) CITY'S RAVE-CLUB BYLAW IN PLACE - JUST IN CASE City council quietly passed a new bylaw this week for controlling all-night youth dance parties or raves. With no discussion around the council table Monday night, the late night club/event bylaw was approved unanimously. Mayor Wayne Ayling said later the bylaw will regulate late-night, non-alcoholic paid events. "We will see how effective it is to provide a safe as possible environment for our youth," he said. The bylaw provides a number of restrictions for those attending the parties and its operators. The definition of a late night club or event includes the gathering of 20 or more patrons at a location during the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. No one under the age of 16 will be able to attend and alcohol is forbidden. Operators will also have to obtain a $450 licence for a late night club or a $250 licence for a late night event. Details on where the event is being held must also be provided. The club or event will have to set up and maintain proper security plans, such as refusing entry to people who appear drunk or under the influence of drugs. Operators will also have to ensure noise outside the club or venue is minimized. Ayling said the bylaw attempts to provide some "common sense" rules and that it was never an issue with the city that raves shouldn't be allowed. "There are youth that are interested in this type of entertainment and we want to make sure that it happens in common-sense fashion," Ayling said. "We hope this bylaw does provide an environment for common-sense enjoyment and we're also hoping that the problems of other communities can be avoided. Only time will tell." Raves have been criticized in other cities such as Edmonton as a haven for youth to experiment with drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh