Would a gathering of 100 teenagers in a friends field constitute a rave? There will be alcohol & music!?

Question

My daughter would like to throw a large party for her 18th and I would like to know, if this amount of people will require us to notify the police.

Answer 1

No its not a rave because you would have the landowners permission.
Thats what makes these things illegal, the land owners dont wnat them there.
You dont have to notify the police or get any licences as long as you arent taking any money for it.
Its better then letting them tear up the house lol.

Answer 2

What are some of these people talking about .If its your daughters 18th she`s an adult and i should think the last thing she will want is a bunch of old people watching over her and her friends like they are small children any normal 18 year old would be completely humiliated .
Your having a private party on private land ,the law will be the same as if you were holding it in your Garden
If it was me i would go to any houses that are close by explain about the party and apologise about the noise before it happens most people appreciate good manners and accept occasional noise with out making a fuss also i would ring the police station and just let them know its a private party in case of busy bodies
Happy Birthday and congratulations to your daughter on her coming of age .and i hope she has a party to remember

Answer 3

Any gathering of more than 12 people for the intention of dancing is notifiable by law.

There is also the possibility that this could be viewed as a public gathering and is therefore subject to the grant of a music and dance licence from the local council, which is costly and can take up to six months to grant.

Any music played loudly can constitute a noise nuisance, which is an offence, and subject to up to six months imprisonment. Remember that music travels in waves and may seem quiet 100 yds away, but could be real loud 600 yds away.

The serving of alcohol to 18 yr olds may be legal but if problems arise, will be frowned upon. It needs to be tightly controlled.

You also need an adult presence to ensure the safety of the attendees, a ratio of 1:12 is usual.

The fact is, that it depends on your relationship with the local community, if you're the village publican it should be ok, if you're from the estate you've got no chance.

If you go for it be safe and have fun.

Answer 4

Also depends on what music is being played. In the UK (where I presume you are) It comes down to the amount of people (which you have enough) but also if the music is of a 'repetitive beat' For example, Kylie, Rick Astley and Barry White is ok. If it is bang bang bang bang bang etc then it could constitute a rave. I would probably inform the local station as the Police WILL be getting at least one call!!!

Can't beat a bit of Rick Astley (hahaha) :)

Answer 5

Let me get this straight...A parent is serving alcohol to 18 year olds. This should not be a problem as long as you notify the local law enforcement agency before hand. Let them know exactly when and where it is you are having your get together. That way if they are called by the neighbors it is on record that you have contacted them. Also, include the fact that alcohol is being served to 18 year olds but that they have your permission to drink. Everything should workout just fine for you. Let us know how the party turns out!

Answer 6

If its not illegal for the alcohol portion then its probably not in the USA. There will also be the Dram Shop problem where you will be sued for anything that happens at this party even if the people are not under-aged. Bars get sued all the time for serving people too drunk which is exactly what the Dram shop law refers to.

If you want to be a pal to your kids then get a divorce, start hanging around other kids and dress like them and buy them booze. It'll look strange and it really wont make your kid like you any better and the other kids would only hang around for the parties.

Now, if you'd rather be a parent, then take her and a couple of her best friends out to dinner and a movie for her B-day but no booze.

One of the biggest problems with teens drinking is parents allowing it, accepting it or providing it. This happens in every town in the country and inevitably, someone will get killed by drunk driving at a few of these parties for sure.

Answer 7

It would probably be a good idea to canvas opinion locally and inform the local police - would it not be better to hire the local village hall or marquee or similar? - given our unpredictable weather! I'd also look into some sort of liability insurance, that's a a lot of people, although it doesn't sound it! I think to be on the safe side, there would need to be some supervision, not to stop them enjoying themselves just to make sure nobody gets sick or injured and overlooked!

Answer 8

Well not legally as you are just having a private party. every wedding that uses a marquee and has 100 guests would then be required to tell the police both are definitely not raves. but common sense would say give them a ring on the night of the party and let them know its a private event on private land they will be grateful that their time is not wasted if someone complains

Answer 9

Yes, it could be considered an illegal gathering in terms of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Much better to check it out with the police first.

Answer 10

You may need a music license from your local Council. Have you considered the people who live in the area?. Can't see you having many friends left after such a gathering!.