Overview

The Criminal Justice (Raves) Bill amends the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to increase penalties and expand police powers to tackle illegal raves. It introduces new offenses for organizing or transporting sound equipment to such gatherings.

Description

This bill significantly alters the existing legislation concerning illegal raves. Key changes include:

• Lowering the threshold for police intervention: The definition of a "rave" under Section 63 is broadened, removing the requirement that the loudness and duration, *and* the time of playing, must all contribute to the disturbance. Only one of these needs to apply for police action.
• Criminalizing rave organization and sound equipment transport: The bill introduces new offences for organizing an illegal rave (alone or with others) and for transporting sound equipment for use at such a gathering. These offences carry potential penalties including imprisonment and/or fines.
• Increased penalties for existing offenses: The maximum penalties for offences related to illegal raves are significantly increased, including extended prison sentences for breaching Section 63.
• Enhanced police powers: Police are given the explicit power to seize and remove sound equipment intended for use at illegal raves.
• Court powers extended: Courts are given the power to forfeit sound equipment seized whether it has actually been used at a rave or if it's merely intended to be.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The costs associated with increased police activity and court proceedings are likely to be offset by reduced costs related to dealing with the disturbances caused by large-scale illegal raves.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected by this bill include:

• Organizers of illegal raves: Face increased penalties, including imprisonment.
• Individuals transporting sound equipment to raves: Face new criminal offences and penalties.
• Attendees of illegal raves: May face increased police presence and enforcement.
• Police forces: Will have increased powers and responsibilities in dealing with illegal raves.
• The Courts: Increased caseload related to prosecutions under the amended legislation.

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