COPS CRACK DOWN ON PARTY AND SAY TREND WILL CONTINUE

North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMP shut down a large all-night party operating
early Sunday morning and say they are taking a hard line on similar events.
`It appeared it was an organized event for which tickets had been sold,'
Cpl. Tracey Rook said of the party which was held on a farm on Bell
McKinnon Road.

Posters advertising the party around Duncan had said it was an alcohol and
drug free event, but Rook said a number of the estimated 100 people in
attendance had drugs or alcohol with them when police arrived.

The District of North Cowichan does not allow all-night events such as
raves or dance parties.

Events where people will be drinking also require liquor licenses, which
the event did not have.

`We will be taking a hard line on these types of events,' Rook said. `We
will be shutting down these events. It's not acceptable that people are
choosing to hold these events and sell tickets and not go through the
proper routes.'

She recommended anyone planning an event and uncertain if it requires a
liquor license contact the B.C. Liquor Commission or the RCMP.

Groups wishing to hold all night events, such as dry grad, must apply to
North Cowichan council for special permission.