CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DRUG-FREE RAVE PARTIES

LIKE in Malaysia, the authorities in Hong Kong are getting worried
over a trend by partygoers and young people to experiment with
mind-bending substances and so-called designer drugs.

Amid reports of some notable figures caught popping various types of
psychotropic pills at rave parties and other occasions,
anti-narcotics authorities have decided to get the community involved
in the fight against drug abuse and go where the action is.

Among the highlighted cases is the trial of the 33-year-old son of a
tycoon said to have possessed cocaine, Viagra and other drugs at a
rave party. Hearing has been adjourned to January next year.

In the headlines too was a 19-year-old apprentice jockey who admitted
to taking Ecstasy on three occasions a fortnight ago. He has been
banned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club from the races for six months.

And earlier this week, a 15-year-old student was nabbed at his school
sports day for allegedly having a gramme of the rave drug Ketamine.

To tackle the problem, the authorities have planned several
preventive education and publicity programmes. In addition, they have
met rave party organisers to discuss various measures, including a
code of practice for the holding of parties.

Under the education programmes, focus will be given to the harmful
effects of mind-bending substances or party drugs.

"This is aimed at dispelling the common misconceptions that
psychotropic substances are not addictive and less harmful than
heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs,'' said Commissioner for
Narcotics Clarie Lo Ku Ka-lee.

"Recent research findings by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse
has revealed that Ecstasy can cause permanent brain damage and even
death,'' she said.

This message--targeted especially at the younger audience--will soon
be aired over radio and television.

In addition, publicity materials like posters, leaflets, art cards,
wall charts and treatment and rehabilitation services directory will
be produced.

Also planned are drug education in schools, and seminars and training
workshops for teachers, parents and social workers at the Drug
InfoCentre, as well as induction programmes for a recently expanded
volunteer group.

"Priority in funding will be given to the proposed community
involvement projects on psychotropic substance abuse,'' Lo said.

Warnings on the dangers of drug abuse will be also be posted in rave
party clubs and other premises.

To get the direct involvement of rave party organisers, the Narcotics
Division of the Security Bureau organised a seminar in August, where
about 90 of them attended. The seminar resulted in a proposal to have
a Code of Practice for dance party organisers.

For this purpose, a multi-disciplined government team was set up,
which included representatives from the Narcotics Division, Home
Affairs Bureau, Police, Environmental Protection Department, Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department, Buildings Department and Fire
Services Department.

And after getting positive feedback from party organisers, the draft
code was endorsed this week (Oct 24) by the Task Force on
Psychotropic Substance Abuse under the Action Committee Against
Narcotics.

"The code is aimed at encouraging responsible management and lawful
conduct at organised rave-type dance parties,'' Lo said.

Apart from drug warnings, the code provides guidelines for organising
safe raves, including licensing requirements, security, building
safety, fire safety and environmental considerations.

The code also covers harm reduction measures like first aid.

Party organisers are asked to address a number of issues before the
events take place. Among these are problems associated with alcohol,
heat stroke, dehydration, paranoia and disorientation and or anxiety
which are often associated with the use of dangerous drugs such as
LSD, Ecstasy (also known as E) or speed (amphetamines).

Party organisers are further advised to equip their venues with
adequate ventilation, air-conditioning systems and clearly marked
first-aid stations with full basic facilities, as well as
fully-trained personnel and designated chill-out and smoke-free areas.

The code includes telephone numbers of relevant government
departments and non-government organisations.

"The finalised Code of Practice is being sent to dance party
organisers and promoters,'' Lo said.