COUNCILLOR NOT SOLD ON RAVE BAN

The decision to suspend raves at Exhibition Place will allow Toronto
politicians breathing room to "get to understand the beast of drugs," says
Councillor Joe Pantalone.

Toronto council this week banned raves on city property until at least Aug.
1, when Police Chief Julian Fantino will report on the dance parties.

Pantalone, chairman of the board of governors at Exhibition Place, said
councillors need to compare drug use at raves and other events.

The outcome of the ongoing inquest into the death of Allen Ho will also be
a key factor, Pantalone added. Ho, a 20-year-old student, died after
overdosing on Ecstasy in an underground garage amid 2,500 revellers.

"Personally, I'm not convinced that banning them will be the answer at the
end of the day," Pantalone said.

The city's move to ban raves on city property is "short-sighted," said rave
promoter Chris Samojlenko, who testified yesterday at the Ho inquest.

"What I certainly want as a rave promoter is to have access to the best
venues to throw the best events and taking away what few are remaining is
not helping," he said.

Ho died after a rave in a parking garage promoted by Samojlenko.