Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Arrests as 540 youths gather for illegal rave
PSNI crack down after ‘drug deals’
POLICE have made a number of arrests after around 540 young people gathered for an unlicensed “rave” at the weekend.
There was a heavy PSNI presence on Friday night at the North Belfast event which a councillor said failed to meet a range of requirements.
Chief Insp Stephen Burns said: “We will act as a deterrent to individuals who may be considering getting involved in any kind of anti-social or criminal activity.
“Where we identify those people involved in such activity and where there is evidence of an offence, we will take action to bring these offenders before the courts.
“We will be working in partnership with Belfast City Council staff to identify offences and combat any reports on-street and underage drinking.”
DUP Councillor Brian Kingston added the rave at Hillview Road premises “failed to obtain an entertainment licence” among other issues.
He said: “I have spoken at length today to Belfast City Council Building Control, the PSNI and others having knowledge of relating to the event. The event failed to obtain an entertainment licence, not least because it is taking place in a building not fit-for-purpose, posing fire safety risk to those attending.
“Last night the PSNI acted to prevent any more access when BCC estimated 540 people were inside the gates.
“There were a number of arrests for possession of drugs and allegations of drugs being sold.
“The event also grossly exceeded night-time noise limits. An Article 55 noise notice was served, under the Clean Neighbourhood Act.
“The organisers planned to continue until 2.30am but the event ended around 1.10am.
“I understand that BCC cannot prevent the event taking place but are gathering evidence which will be used for future prosecution.”
NORTH BELFAST