Pubdate: Sat, 12 Apr 2014
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Page: GT2
Copyright: 2014 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Jane Gerster

CITY BANS ELECTRONIC DANCE PARTIES AT THE EX

Though Some Councillors Feel Mammoliti Has Exaggerated Drug Usage By
Teens At Events

City-owned buildings at Exhibition Place will no longer host popular
electronic dance music parties after its board voted 4-3 to ban them.

Those in favour argued it would make teens and tweens safer, saying
drug and alcohol abuse among minors is rampant at EDM events.

Those opposed said it will do the opposite, calling the safety concern
a facade meant to cover up a business owner's own financial concerns.

Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti, who introduced the motion, said the use
of MDMA and ecstasy is of particular concern, arguing "this is not
what city property and taxpayers' money should be use for."

But councillors Gord Perks and Mike Layton, who both voted no, said
the problem has been exaggerated by Mammoliti and Zlatko Starkovski,
owner of the nearby Muzik nightclub, who complained about the EDM
events in January.

"They've used this very emotional argument to . . . improve the
financial position of one particular bar owner and one that so happens
to be the bar of choice of the mayor," Layton said.

Muzik is one of Mayor Rob Ford's favourite haunts, and Starkovski is
one of his friends.

Mammoliti did not return requests for comment, but Starkovski denied
the accusations, saying "somebody's got to stand up for the kids."

"I don't find it right," he said. "There are kids that are pulled out
in ambulances for overdosing or alcohol and they're all underage."

EDMs will happen regardless, said Layton, who argued for keeping them
at Exhibition Place, where there are "stringent" rules requiring
security and on-site ambulances. Toronto Public Health recommended the
city lease property for large dance parties more than a decade ago,
specifically to prevent "problem conditions" at underground raves
following the death of a university student. Charles Khabouth, CEO of
Ink Entertainment, has hosted two EDM events at Exhibition Place in
the past six months. While he doesn't think the move will force the
parties underground, Khabouth said Friday's meeting was not reflective
of the "very safe, very fun" events. "Strict police, security and
paramedics . . . the safety issues have all been dealt with," he said,
adding he'll just rent space elsewhere. The decision will likely cost
Exhibition Place around $1million in annual revenue, Perks said. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D