CLUB DRUG USE TARGETED

Legislation to crack down on club drug use is wrapped into the Amber Alert
package, and critics worry that businesses whose customers use drugs without
the proprietors' knowledge could face prosecution under the law.

"You could have hotels prosecuted; you could have sporting events
prosecuted, basically anything or anywhere you could expect someone to try
and use drugs," said Marvin Johnson, an American Civil Liberties Union
lawyer.

An earlier version of the legislation aimed at club drugs such as ecstasy
failed to pass Congress last year, following complaints that the bill
unfairly painted all raves and similar events as havens for illegal drug
use. The new bill removed the focus on raves.

The legislation, called the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act, is based on
the federal crack-house statute, which allows prosecution of people who
knowingly allow their private residences or businesses to be used for the
buying and selling of drugs. The new provision would expand the statute to
include places rented for temporary or one-time events like nightclubs,
concerts and raves.

People convicted under the law would face prison terms or civil fines of up
to $250,000 or twice the gross revenue of their event.