Los Angeles officials decide not to ban festivals

Good news for Los Angeles ravers as festivals on public land will not be banned.

After two drug-related deaths at HARD Summer earlier this year, it was reported in August that LA officials made a proposal to temporarily stop large-scale dance music events taking place on land owned by the county. However, the Los Angeles County's Electronic Music Task Force has decided this isn't the way forward.

Pasadena Star-News reports the group's 55 recommendations will be given to the Board Of Supervisors this month. The most beneficial may well be the introduction of "evidence-based" materials informing attendees on how to use drugs and alcohol safely.

Other proposals include a minimum entry age of 18, wider access to water, four police officers for every 1000 guests and amnesty boxes ahead of security gates. Sniffer dogs and more thorough searches are also part of the plans, with a request to cease alcohol service an hour before the festival closes.

Electronic Music Alliance founder Janine Jordan worked with the task force and hopes education takes precedent in future, rather than the RAVE Act which was introduced in 2002.

"I think this is a win. There's a benefit to having the government approve this first. We will probably use this as part of the system to help educate and work with promoters."

The county could amend the suggestions, though, with task force member Wesley Ford commenting that its "out of my control" when its being reviewed.

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