ARCADE OWNER TRIED TO LIMIT HEALTH RISKS TO YOUTH

To the Editor;

Robert Button II, owner of Button¹s Arcade was arrested by federal agents
on 11/4 for allowing his business to be used for drug trafficking. A
special agent of the Drug Enforcement Agency said that he was "profiting
from rave parties at his arcade in Lyncourt by getting a piece of the cover
charge and selling items that patrons used to enhance their drug high".

In addition to glow sticks, he sold a bottled water and Gatorade to patrons
who attended raves held at his establishment. He faces 20 years in prison
and $500,000 fine if convicted.

1. He did not provide drugs or alcohol to his patrons. Why does our federal
government want to punish a business owner more harshly than rapists,
murderers and child perps? Should we arrest tavern owners for profiting by
selling items that might enhance a patron's alcohol high (e.g., TV sporting
events, video games, music, scantily clad women)? What's wrong with making
a buck?

2. He sold bottled water and Gatorade to reduce the harms associated with
possible substance use. For example, the most serious side effect of using
MDMA (Ecstasy) is dehydration associated with physical exertion. In the
United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia, owners of trade
establishments hosting illegal raves are encouraged by local police to sell
these fluids and not alcohol. Why do we arrest people for the same thing?

3. He hired off-duty sheriff's deputes as bouncers to lower noisy, rowdy,
and violent behaviors. Should the deputies be imprisoned for knowing and
abetting substance use?

When will we learn that prohibition simply doesn¹t work? It might make for
good press but it allows for no regulation and it doesn¹t stop people from
doing what they want to do.

We will try to incarcerate a business owner who did not provide any illegal
substance but instead tried to provide a safer place for youth to party. It
will cost us about $300,000 to prosecute him and between $600,000-2,000,000
($30,000-100, 000/yr. for prison) to house him for 20 years. Meanwhile, new
raves sites will spring up in the darkness and have promoters who may not
have the health orientation of Mr. Button.

If we legalize raves and regulate them via public health guidelines, we can
reduce the harms associated with them. We have the choice of the illusion
of control vs. a more tolerant and healthy society.

What message do we want to send to our children?

Gene Tinelli, MD

ReconsiDer, Forum on Drug Policy

Jamesville, NY