Pubdate: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Surrey Leader Website: http://www.surreyleader.com/ Letters: Kevin Diakiw CITY TO SLAM DOOR ON RAVES Surrey is expected to ban rave parties from this municipality in the coming weeks as a way of controlling the distribution of dangerous drugs to teens. City officials discussed the notion of introducing a $5,000 permit fee for the parties, but have decided instead to push for an all-out ban. Coun. Dianne Watts says she'll be bringing the issue before her colleagues as soon as Monday. An international phenomenon, raves are a form of dance party, usually lasting through the night. Authorities have raised concerns about the presence of Ecstasy - crystal methamphetamine in pill form - frequently associated with rave parties. While the city prepares to clamp down on raves, local drug recovery activist Christine Eden is preparing to hold a seminar for parents about the dangers of Ecstasy, which include brain damage from high body temperatures and dehydration. "Why wait until kids are dying on our doorsteps?" Eden asks. She believes the ban on raves will just move Ecstasy to house parties. The upcoming seminar entitled "Raves, the 'New Drugs,' and What Every Teen and Parent Should Know," is being sponsored by OPTIONS: Services to Communities Society. RCMP Corp. Scott Rintoul, the drug and alcohol awareness consultant for the province, will give a presentation at the event. The seminar is free and will be held Feb. 12 between 7 and 9 p.m. at the Surrey Conference Centre, 9260 140 St. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth