TEENS PROTEST 'UNCONSTITUTIONAL' BYLAW ON RAVE RESTRICTIONS

Saying they represent Calgary's counter-culture, about 100 teens gathered in a southwest park Sunday to protest a city bylaw that cracks down on raves.

Adrienne Mook said the impromptu protest in a park across from the affluent Mount Royal Village shopping centre was an appeal to the city to rescind its rave bylaw, which was implemented this summer as a way to regulate the all-night parties.

"Without a doubt there are people here who don't believe in it (the bylaw). I believe it is unconstitutional. You can't stop raves and the problem is only going to get worse."

The bylaw, which came into effect Aug.18, require large raves with more than 250 people to be licensed and booked 45 days in advance. The 45-day period was adopted to allow police to review plans for the event and do background checks on organizers. Rave promoters must also provide plans for security such as emergency medical service.

Raves have been associated with rampant drug use, particularly abuse of the drug Ecstasy.

Mook said raves would become an event for the privileged who can afford it.

"Looking in the park, can you see people who can afford to get all the required permits?" she asked.

"I don't even think these people are even interested in that kind of rave."

City politicians have defended the bylaw, saying it's a way of regulating the teen-orientated parties without banning them outright.