Guidelines for Dance Parties - Division of Local Government - NSW ...

Guidelines for Dance PartiesIntroductionThe Aim of the GuidelinesThese Guidelines were developed by the NSW Government in response to concerns about thesafety of patrons attending dance parties. They provide detailed information for promoters onhow to conduct safe and successful dance parties and explain how the broad principles setout in the ‘NSW Code of Practice for Dance Parties’ can be met. The Guidelines are alsoavailable on the Department of Local Government homepage - http:\\www.dlg.nsw.gov.auWhile many dance party promoters provide safe and legal events, a number of safety problemshave arisen at dance parties in the past. Illegal dance parties have been held without properarrangements having been made for the safety of patrons. For example, buildings have beenchosen as venues which are fire hazards or in danger of collapse, or emergency services(ambulance, fire brigade, police) have not been advised of the existence and location of theparty. This makes it difficult for these services to get help quickly to patrons in situations suchas fire, violence or drug overdoses. Organisers of illegal dance parties are also often notsufficiently prepared. They may have no emergency evacuation plans, no first aid stations andan insufficient water supply. Arrangements may not have been made to ensure neighbours arenot annoyed by the event and patrons may be put at risk because of a lack of safe transport toand from the venue.The aim of these Guidelines is to support and encourage dance party promoters to holdprofessionally organised, legal and hassle free dance parties in suitable locations which aresafe for patrons and do not disturb neighbouring properties. Patrons will then be able to enjoya contemporary and legitimate form of entertainment without the dangers and negative imagethat have been associated with dance parties in the past. By providing quality entertainment ina responsible manner, the dance party industry will be able to better attract and satisfy patronsand gain the confidence of their parents and the wider community.Encouraging Good PracticeThe Guidelines include:(a)(b)(c)good practice standards which promoters are recommended to followoptions which promoters can consider adoptingan outline of the major legal requirements which dance parties must meet.Good practices are generally identified by the word ‘recommended’ or ‘promoters should’,options are identified by words such as ‘option’ or ‘promoters could consider’, and legalrequirements are identified by the word ‘must’ or required by a certain Act. The term ‘promoters’is used to refer to all people who plan, set up or manage dance parties.2