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

Guidelines for Dance PartiesOccupational Health and Safety LegislationDance party promoters must comply with Occupational Health and Safety legislation andmake sure that the dance party does not endanger the health and safety of their employees.Police PowersUnder the Theatres and Public Halls Act, Police officers of the rank of Sergeant and abovehave a power of entry into an indoor dance party to inspect the premises and if necessary, totest equipment. Section 6 of the Police Service Act requires Police officers to prevent anddetect crime, to protect people from injury or death, and to protect property from damage.Police officers can use this power to secure the safety of patrons and property, includingclosing down the dance party, if necessary.Illegal drugs at dance parties will attract an increased Police presence. A Police officerhas the power under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act to stop, search and detain anyperson or vehicle which the officer reasonably suspects is in possession of, or contains,an illegal drug.Liquor LawsThe Liquor Act (section 104) and Registered Clubs Act (section 17AA) allows neighbours andothers such as the Police or local Council to make a complaint if a registered club or licensedpremise creates problems, such as noise or the violent or anti-social behaviour of patrons, inand around the premises. The penalties include reducing the premise’s trading hours, prohibitingthe admission of patrons after a certain time, and restricting or prohibiting certain types ofentertainment such as those which involve loud music. This could include dance parties.The following penalties under the Liquor and Registered Clubs Acts apply to licensed premisesand registered clubs:◆◆sell or supply liquor to a minor (selling: maximum penalty $5,500, supplying: a maximumpenalty of $11,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment)sell liquor without a licence (maximum penalty $1,100 and/or 6 months imprisonment)◆ permit intoxication on licensed or registered club premises (maximum penalty $5,500)◆◆sell or supply alcohol to an intoxicated person on licensed premises (maximum penalty$5,500)permit licensed or registered club premises to be used for the sale, use or possession ofa prohibited substance (various offences with a maximum penalty for the licensee,registered club secretary, person in charge and staff of $5,500).38