RAVES FOR PARTY RULES

Safety standards for raves were endorsed yesterday by city councillors who
said they'd rather see kids enjoying themselves at legal dance parties than
dying at illegal ones.

"This is what we should be doing," Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman said, adding
the standards are a step towards bringing the dance parties under control.

"I don't want kids getting killed, getting hurt or getting hit on the head
with a bottle ... there are good kids going to these things. Let's make sure
they've got good places to go."

The new rules -- developed by a consortium of rave organizers and city staff
- -- provide for police and ambulance personnel to be on hand for the parties.

They also ensure adequate bathroom, water and ventilation in buildings used
to host raves, and require space be set aside at each party for
drug-education literature.

Raves came under fire earlier this year when four people were hospitalized
after taking Ecstasy, a popular rave drug, that was laced with rat poison.

In October, a 21-year-old Ryerson student died of a drug overdose at a rave
in a parking garage of a west-end factory.

James Ridge, Toronto's executive director of municipal licensing and
standards, said he was pleased many rave organizers participated in drafting
the new rules.