I am a dance party organiser in Hong Kong and was at the recent meeting between rave organisers, government officials and police. No promoters were asked to speak at the meeting.
Communication and co-operation between the Government and party organisers is better than just closing the parties down, but I fear that the authorities will do whatever they want regardless of what people think.
The authorities become scared of young people having fun. All the negative attention created by the media on drugs doesn't help. What the public needs to realise is that some people do go to the parties for the music. Just look at Singapore: no drugs there and some of the best parties in Asia.
The danger is that restricting parties drives it all further underground and out of any control at all. There is sometimes an unwelcome criminal element at the parties, but most ravers are just people wanting to dance, socialise and have fun. A little more police presence would help, but they don't always show up.
The Government should emphasise the local music scene. Internationally respected DJs say Hong Kong has one of the most exciting scenes in the world. The Government should be proud of this, and not try to restrict it. Dance music culture has grown worldwide, Hong Kong shouldn't be left behind because the Government is out of touch.
The local dance scene has the potential to become a massive industry. In Britain, top DJs are regarded as on a par with Canto-pop stars in Hong Kong. The drugs image is mostly blown out of proportion by the press. Better, safer venues would be good for promoters, ravers and the Government. Maybe the Government should make some of its venues available to promoters.