State Assembly woman Sally M. Havice has introduced a bill that attempts to curb drug use at raves.

The bill, Assembly Bill 1941 (AB 1941), will require permit-granting officials to notify local law enforcement before they grant a permit for a rave.

It also requires rave promoters to show evidence that they know about illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

“The purpose of the bill is not to do away with raves. It’s to provide a safer drug-free environment.” Havice said.

Cities that would be affected by the bill include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood and Long Beach.

Havice’s Chief of Staff Carlos Penilla said, “Drug use is pretty rampant (at raves).”

The bill will attempt to control the use of drugs such as Ecstasy. Promoters will have to prove that they are aware of some of the unlikely drug paraphernalia that is associated with the illegal hallucinogen, such as Vapo Rub, pacifiers and medical face masks.

Mark Smith, deputy sheriff with the LA County Sheriff, said that Cerritos hasn’t had a problem with raves in the past although there is a huge industrial area in Cerritos that raves could possibly be held in.

If the bill is passed and the LA County Sheriff is notified of raves before they occur, Smith said at least six deputies would be dispatched to the rave.

Promoters are expected to dislike the bill. Smith said, “They like the element of surprise, it’s a big secret.” This bill will take that element of a rave away considering that law enforcement has to be informed about it.

Political Science major Steven Knight has been to three or four raves. He thinks the bill shouldn’t become a law.

Knight said, “It’s just like prohibition. Didn’t it strengthen the mobsters? Drug dealers will just make more money.”