Pubdate: Fri,  2 Feb 2001
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Surrey Leader
Website: http://www.surreyleader.com/
Letters:  Kevin Diakiw

CITY TO SLAM DOOR ON RAVES

Surrey is expected to ban rave parties from this municipality in the coming 
weeks as a way of controlling the distribution of dangerous drugs to teens.

City officials discussed the notion of introducing a $5,000 permit fee for 
the parties, but  have decided instead to push for an all-out ban.

Coun. Dianne Watts says she'll be bringing the issue before her colleagues 
as soon as Monday.

An international phenomenon, raves are a form of dance party, usually 
lasting through  the night. Authorities have raised concerns about the 
presence of Ecstasy - crystal methamphetamine in pill form - frequently 
associated with rave parties.

While the city prepares to clamp down on raves, local drug recovery 
activist Christine  Eden is preparing to hold a seminar for parents about 
the dangers of Ecstasy, which  include brain damage from high body 
temperatures and dehydration.

"Why wait until kids are dying on our doorsteps?" Eden asks. She believes 
the ban on  raves will just move Ecstasy to house parties.

The upcoming seminar entitled "Raves, the 'New Drugs,' and What Every Teen 
and  Parent Should Know," is being sponsored by OPTIONS: Services to 
Communities Society.

RCMP Corp. Scott Rintoul, the drug and alcohol awareness consultant for the 
province,  will give a presentation at the event.

The seminar is free and will be held Feb. 12 between 7 and 9 p.m. at the 
Surrey  Conference Centre, 9260 140 St.
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