RAVE BAN ON HOLD

A complete ban of raves in Surrey has been postponed until civic
representatives can hear from more party organizers.

On Monday, Surrey council was prepared to outlaw the popular parties
because of policing costs and the presence of drugs.

Raves are all-night dance events, which typically involve youth, techno
music - and for some participants, drugs such as Ecstasy. Typically found
in pill form, Ecstasy is primarily methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
and methamphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.

Rave organizer Salim Lakhani told council Monday that an outright ban is
the wrong idea - the parties will occur regardless.

"We know it's going to happen whether you allow it or not," said Lakhani,
who estimates municipalities south of the Fraser host a rave every weekend.
"Why not make it safe?"

Lakhani fielded several questions from councillors who were looking for
assurances that the parties would be safe.

One councillor asked Lakhani if he's ever organized a rave party that was
completely free of drugs.

"That's a difficult question to answer," Lakhani said. "I don't think there
have been any parties without drugs."

Lakhani assured council that his company, Swing Kids, does everything it
can to keep drugs and alcohol at bay.

In addition, his parties always have at least a half a dozen medical
personnel and security guards on hand to prevent trouble.

Council decided to delay the decision to ban the parties until two more
rave delegations could present their case in the coming weeks.