COUNCIL EXPECTED TO LIFT BAN ON RAVES

They've got a new set of rules, but Toronto raves are about to be back in
business.

After months of anti-rave talk from Mayor Mel Lastman and police Chief
Julian Fantino, Toronto council is expected to lift its ban on raves on
city-owned property with a new protocol from police and councillors for the
all-night parties.

"I think the moral panic is over," said Councillor Olivia Chow, after the
community services committee endorsed the protocol yesterday. "We're
listening to our young people and we know that banning raves will only
drive them underground."

But Fantino still wields considerable power over the events.

He continues to hold the ultimate discretion over the number of paid-duty
police officers that rave promoters are required to hire - prompting
worries he could kill events by making the cost of holding them too high.

"I'm confident that the police will not use their authority to shut raves
down," said Councillor Brad Duguid, community services committee chair.

Among the new recommendations are an age restriction of 16 and over and a
requirement that Toronto Ambulance be at each rave on city property.

The protocol, and the recommendation to life the ban, will go to council
next week.