Overview

The Criminal Justice (Raves) Bill amends the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to increase penalties and broaden the scope of offenses related to illegal raves. It introduces new offenses for organizing or transporting sound equipment intended for illegal gatherings, and expands police powers to seize such equipment.

Description

This bill modifies the existing legislation concerning illegal raves in several key ways:

• Lowering the threshold for police intervention: It alters the definition of a "rave" under Section 63 of the 1994 Act, making it easier for police to act on events based on either loudness, duration, or the time of day.
• Criminalizing rave organization and equipment transport: It creates new offenses for organizing or transporting sound equipment intended for use at an illegal rave, specifying penalties for both summary and indictment convictions.
• Increased penalties for existing offenses: It increases the maximum penalties for existing offences related to attending or preparing for an illegal rave.
• Enhanced police powers: The bill gives police additional powers to seize sound equipment linked to illegal raves and clarifies the court's authority to forfeit such equipment.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The main costs would be associated with increased police activity and potential court proceedings, but no specific figures are available within the provided bill text.

Groups Affected

• Organizers of illegal raves: Face significantly increased penalties, including potential imprisonment.
• Individuals transporting sound equipment for illegal raves: Subject to new offenses and fines.
• Attendees at illegal raves: May face increased police scrutiny and potentially harsher penalties.
• The Police: Granted additional powers and responsibilities in dealing with illegal raves.
• The Courts: Increased caseload related to prosecutions under the amended legislation.

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