The continuing increases in the use of ecstasy and the growing popularity of raves have been linked for years, but now this link may hold party promoters and club managers responsible. 

Congress has found that “each year tens of thousands of young people are initiated into the drug culture at ‘rave’ parties”, and that “the trafficking and use of ‘club drugs’ … is deeply embedded in the rave culture”.  Whether these findings are true or embellished, the fact remains that ecstasy use among teenagers has increased 71% since 1999 according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. 

            In an attempt to counteract increasing ecstasy use, Senator Joseph R. Biden (D - Delaware) has drafted a bill titled “Reducing Americans’ Vulnerability to Ecstasy”, or the RAVE Act 2002.  This bill would amend the Controlled Substances Act to include individuals who “knowingly open, lease, rent, use or maintain any place, whether permanently or temporarily for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing or using any controlled substance.”  This would include people who “manage or control any place either as an owner, lessee, agent, employee, occupant or mortgagee” who may “knowingly and intentionally rent, lease, profit from or make available for use” any property, building, warehouse, etc. in which controlled substances are either distributed or used. 

            The RAVE Bill would also amend the penalties to include a fine of either $250,000 or twice the “gross receipts, either known or estimated” of the event, which ever is greater.  It is also written that if more than one person is responsible for the party or event, all people involved can be held responsible for the entire amount of the penalty. 

            Though the language of this bill makes it difficult to interpret, it will most likely become law before the end of this legislative session.  The RAVE Act is a harsh way of fighting increasing drug use among teenagers, and though raves are not entirely responsible for the increase, they are the target of this round of anti-drug laws.  Bars and restaurants can be held accountable for over-serving alcohol to customers, and now promoters and those responsible for hosting raves, concerts and other parties can be held responsible for drug use. 

-Shaye Mitchell