Written question asked by Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Monday, 11 July 2005.

Public Order: Illegal Raves

Question: Whether the police have up-to-date and adequate powers to deal effectively with the activities of those involved in organising illegal raves.

Answer: The Government believe that illegal raves are not acceptable and should not become an opportunity or an excuse for disorder and anti-social behaviour. Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows police to direct rave goers to leave an event. If they refuse, police are provided with a power of arrest. They also have powers to seize sound equipment in certain circumstances. The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 extended these powers so that they apply to trespassory indoor raves and raves of 20 or more people. It is also an offence for a person given a direction under Section 63 to attend any other trespassory rave within 24 hours.

Secondary information