After two deaths at HARD Summer this year, Los Angeles County placed a ban on major music festivals on county property. Despite the history of banning things being an unsuccessful one, the ban was placed and an Electronic Music Task Force was formed to evaluate the situation at hand. Following months of investigation and deliberation, the task force has elected to lift the ban on music festivals. Additionally, they have given recommendations to make (dance) music events safer.
In the name of harm reduction, let us rejoice. Although the recommendations that were given are mostly common practices in the PNW, it’s nice to see our California counterparts catching up in an official capacity. Recommendations included increasing presence of drug sniffing dogs, a minimum age of 18 to enter, increased DUI checkpoints, more access to water, amnesty boxes, and the distribution of educational materials on substance use.
So what does this mean for us? The initial ban had the potential to have a ripple effect, setting a precedent for what to do in the event of loss of life: eliminate the events. Now there is a more positive example being set. Sure, it began with banning the events. But then there was an investigation and evaluation of practices which led to harm reduction measures being proposed. THAT is a positive outcome. You know we’re all about harm reduction here, and we’re happy to see new measures being put into place to keep one more area of the country safe.
It’s nice to see suggestions for the organizers from the task force, but what are your personal policies for staying safe while raving?
Important things happen in Pacific Northwest nightlife, and DMNW will send you alerts!
