jakoz
Bluelighter
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- Feb 18, 2001
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By John Flint
RAVE BAN LOOMING
Promoters, venue managers read riot act by police
Police are poised to read the riot act to rave promoters and venue managers - and may scrap several events planned for this summer.
Perth Entertainent Centre management are also to be quizzed about widespread drug abuse at a rave event there two weeks ago.
In addition, they are concerned by allegations that security staff were given instructions to let top-ranking Coffin Cheaters Eddie Withnell and Troy Mercanti enter and leave as they pleased at the all-night bash.
One doorman, who was unaware of the alleged instruction, was punched by Mr Mercanti after trying to stop him entering without a ticket.
The doorman suffered a broken nose, but declined to press charges.
The Sunday Times understands staff were forbidden from speaking to the newspaper about what they saw at the event.
Many staff, who had not worked at a rave before, were shocked at the scale of drug abuse.
About 45 people who attended the first aid post told medics they had taken either ecstasy or speed.
Four were taken to hospital by ambulance.
The rave was the first at the center, owned by Seven Network.
Seven Entertainment Ltd is coted as the applicant on the liquor license.
Entertainment Centre manager Ian Fraser refused to answer any questions about the event, called Digital. He said the event was not a rave but a dance party.
Police are also concerned that the control of ticket sales was passed to the promoter, Delirium, rather than sold through the centre's own Ticketmaster system.
Delirium boss Jeremy Junk last week declined to comment.
"I decline to talk to the media about the rave scene or our events in general," he said.
Assistant Commisioner John Standing is to have a meeting with Director of Liquor Licensing Hugh Highman tomorrow to discuss Digital and future events.
Perth dance-music followers fear a police crackdown will drive the rave scene underground, which is more dangerous for drug users.
They also point out that not everyone on the scene is on drugs.