A proposed Edmonton city bylaw is causing a major online stir. A social media campaign called "Fight2Dance" has emerged as a result of changes proposed to after hours dance parties.
Right now alcohol can be sold at these events until 2am, then can continue on after hours as an alcohol-free event. The City of Edmonton is looking at banning alcohol over safety concerns.
A city report states evidence on how events like these result in a high number of calls to EMS and Edmonton Police Services. A high number of these calls leading to people being transported to hospital, and two deaths in the past two years.
City councillor Ben Henderson says as a result of the proposed changes, councillors have been flooded with letters and emails from people who want to have their voices heard.
"There's no question that there have been problems with police calls and ambulance calls and all those kind of things, and somehow or another from a public safety point of view I think we have to be able to address that." he adds.
These events draw thousands of people to the city from across Western Canada. Ryan Miyagishima has attended many times and believes the perception of what happens at these events is misguided. He is one of many who wrote an email to the city.
"What I want city council to understand is that their intent is good for public safety, but they are going about it in the wrong way."
Miyagishima believes alcohol is not the problem and that by banning alcohol, these events will be forced underground.
"There will be increased illicit drug use, increased alcohol abuse, drug dealing, violence."
Fight2Dance thinks a balance needs to be met. On their website, they have proposed a number of other options including increased enforcement relating to illicit drug activity and patron responsibility campaigns to educate about the risks of illicit drug use. They have started an online petition in hopes the City will see how many people support their ideas.
The city will be discussing this matter further at a committee meeting on Wednesday.
With files from Vinesh Pratap.
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