TOUGH RAVE RULES

Bylaw Focuses On Safety

Rave promoters will face hefty fines if they don't follow new rules
governing the all-night dance parties.

City council voted yesterday to approve a bylaw that will require
organizers to obtain a $250 licence for all raves of more than 250
people.

When applying for a permit, promoters will also have to provide a
safety and security plan for the city to approve.

Failure to comply could see those running the raves slapped with a
$2,500 fine.

"The focus was on safety and security of the young people going into
the raves," said Ald. Joanne Kerr.

Kerr said the new bylaw has received a positive response from some
promoters and community activists alike.

"Everybody is looking forward, not to driving raves underground, but
to creating safe venues," she said.

But not all community leaders are optimistic about how effective the
new rules will be.

"Raves and residential communities just don't go together," said Gary
Ursu, president of the Forest Heights Community Association.

The Rollerland rink, which has hosted raves in the past, is located in
Forest Heights.

Other rules under the law include providing free water at events,
placing security inside and outside of buildings and having easily
identifiable EMS personnel on site. Part of the plan also includes
establishing a task force to monitor the effectiveness of the bylaw.