gingerfreak
New Member
amen.
ps:
I actually think a 7-days-a-week-24-hour break
would promote more responsible drug-use .
I think you may be right!
the consell insular wants to eradicate drugs
- Thread starter McRackin
- Start date
I think you may be right!
I really really hope that this 6-hour break would improve the island's image (in the near future) and consequently its income. Otherwise the new government will go farther in testing and extending this "break" policy and I wouldn't be surprised to see the day clubbing being completely banned.
There really does still seem to be a disconnect here though.
I'm personally not bothered about the 6 hour break (as I've already said on here) but I dont' think it'll change much. People will just crack on in their hotels/villas/appts etc if they want to, and crash if they don't. There's not really a massive carry-on culture - clubs-wise - as people think. This is a purely cosmetic gesture so the conseil can be seen to be doing something which in reality won't hurt the economy, or the club owners, or anything else.
As people have said, there's a big negative PR problem on the island. For one, most of the UK still seem to think it's just a 'drugs island' when it's not, and that most of the people that go there are British (they're only part of it) and that most are clubbers (they're not).
I guess it is understandable - based on those last two factors, esp the 2nd - that normal holiday makers dont' want the rep that the island has in a lot of ways, but as usual, it's the sort of Daily Mail-style reporting on the scene out there, both in the loca/Spanish press and also the UK that distorts it all and then gives the local and national government to come out with some of the laughable statements they do.
At the end of the day, it's not the clubbers' island at all and never has been, though it's a big part of it. We need to have fun, but we need to respect the island as we're only there (for the most part) for a week a year, and we can't treat it like someone's flat at an all-back-to-mine - just turn up, trash the place, and leave, because it's not ours. As long as there's a bit of consideration from all sides then it'll work but it amazes me how many times people harp on about how it's not fair, and they should be allowed to take drugs as that's 'what Ibiza's about'.
It's about SO much more than that.
I'm personally not bothered about the 6 hour break (as I've already said on here) but I dont' think it'll change much. People will just crack on in their hotels/villas/appts etc if they want to, and crash if they don't. There's not really a massive carry-on culture - clubs-wise - as people think. This is a purely cosmetic gesture so the conseil can be seen to be doing something which in reality won't hurt the economy, or the club owners, or anything else.
As people have said, there's a big negative PR problem on the island. For one, most of the UK still seem to think it's just a 'drugs island' when it's not, and that most of the people that go there are British (they're only part of it) and that most are clubbers (they're not).
I guess it is understandable - based on those last two factors, esp the 2nd - that normal holiday makers dont' want the rep that the island has in a lot of ways, but as usual, it's the sort of Daily Mail-style reporting on the scene out there, both in the loca/Spanish press and also the UK that distorts it all and then gives the local and national government to come out with some of the laughable statements they do.
At the end of the day, it's not the clubbers' island at all and never has been, though it's a big part of it. We need to have fun, but we need to respect the island as we're only there (for the most part) for a week a year, and we can't treat it like someone's flat at an all-back-to-mine - just turn up, trash the place, and leave, because it's not ours. As long as there's a bit of consideration from all sides then it'll work but it amazes me how many times people harp on about how it's not fair, and they should be allowed to take drugs as that's 'what Ibiza's about'.
It's about SO much more than that.
Party political posturing
Don't sweat guys. Look at Prohibition in America 60yrs ago.. fact is the politicians couldn't run a hotdog stand and don't even run your country. What the people want the people get. There's not even a prison in the UK secure from drugs or alcahol so what chance have they of 'securing' a country?... about a billion to one.
Our misguided public representatives have been fighting 'The War on Drugs' for decades and like Prohibition have been anihilated every year throwing good public money after bad and as politicians do, claim 'success' when in fact they're failing miserably to make any impact at all.
The minister for public health, Patricia Abascal, said she wanted the island to be known as a family, leisure, cultural and ecological destination... well there's already 1,000's of such destinations around the world, many just across the water so if she doesn't get some business acumen shortly she's going to cut the hand that feeds her island.
There's also nothing "dark" or "sinister" about clubbing culture or its tourism.. I've never been in a club of 10,000 people like Amnesia where there's no violence to speak of and everyone's so friendly... its amazing.. and wonderful to experience.
The only thing to fear is that politicians LEGALISE drugs.. because then the bug*ers will do something they are good at.. taxing the trade and everybody to death!!
Don't sweat guys. Look at Prohibition in America 60yrs ago.. fact is the politicians couldn't run a hotdog stand and don't even run your country. What the people want the people get. There's not even a prison in the UK secure from drugs or alcahol so what chance have they of 'securing' a country?... about a billion to one.
Our misguided public representatives have been fighting 'The War on Drugs' for decades and like Prohibition have been anihilated every year throwing good public money after bad and as politicians do, claim 'success' when in fact they're failing miserably to make any impact at all.
The minister for public health, Patricia Abascal, said she wanted the island to be known as a family, leisure, cultural and ecological destination... well there's already 1,000's of such destinations around the world, many just across the water so if she doesn't get some business acumen shortly she's going to cut the hand that feeds her island.
There's also nothing "dark" or "sinister" about clubbing culture or its tourism.. I've never been in a club of 10,000 people like Amnesia where there's no violence to speak of and everyone's so friendly... its amazing.. and wonderful to experience.
The only thing to fear is that politicians LEGALISE drugs.. because then the bug*ers will do something they are good at.. taxing the trade and everybody to death!!
McRackin
Super Moderator
from the ibiza sun:
Drug Use
The amount of drug-related medical emergencies handled in Can Misses during 2006 grew by a staggering 64 per cent on the previous year, according to figures released last week. A total of 1,114 people were treated at the hospital for the over-consumption of a variety of drugs topped, for the fifth year in a row, by cocaine. The average age of those attended was 31, with the vast majority males.
As expected the figures are also very seasonally affected with an average of eight cases every day in August, falling to six daily in July and September, with the lowest figures in November and January where it falls to just one a day.
The facts, said the Consell, were further evidence as to why stringent controls were necessary on the island to control a habit which was "spiralling out of control".
Crime Fighters
Ten officers will be sent to Ibiza within the next month to start the fight against organised crime on the island. The announcement was made on Friday by the director general of the police and Guardia Civil, Joan Mesquida. It is estimated that 4 per cent of organised crime within Spain is based within the Balearics. Mesuida claimed the structure and culture of the Islands supported the gangs, with the plethora of wealthy tourists in summer an attraction, along with the fact the high number of tourists make it far easier for gang members to blend in. Twenty specially trained officers will be sent to the Balearics, with ten based in Majorca and ten in Ibiza.
Similar operations are currently being undertaken in the Costa del Sol, Levante, Cadiz, the Canaries and Galicia.
The units will concentrate on organised crime involving drugs, the falsification of documents and illegal immigration.
Drug Use
The amount of drug-related medical emergencies handled in Can Misses during 2006 grew by a staggering 64 per cent on the previous year, according to figures released last week. A total of 1,114 people were treated at the hospital for the over-consumption of a variety of drugs topped, for the fifth year in a row, by cocaine. The average age of those attended was 31, with the vast majority males.
As expected the figures are also very seasonally affected with an average of eight cases every day in August, falling to six daily in July and September, with the lowest figures in November and January where it falls to just one a day.
The facts, said the Consell, were further evidence as to why stringent controls were necessary on the island to control a habit which was "spiralling out of control".
Crime Fighters
Ten officers will be sent to Ibiza within the next month to start the fight against organised crime on the island. The announcement was made on Friday by the director general of the police and Guardia Civil, Joan Mesquida. It is estimated that 4 per cent of organised crime within Spain is based within the Balearics. Mesuida claimed the structure and culture of the Islands supported the gangs, with the plethora of wealthy tourists in summer an attraction, along with the fact the high number of tourists make it far easier for gang members to blend in. Twenty specially trained officers will be sent to the Balearics, with ten based in Majorca and ten in Ibiza.
Similar operations are currently being undertaken in the Costa del Sol, Levante, Cadiz, the Canaries and Galicia.
The units will concentrate on organised crime involving drugs, the falsification of documents and illegal immigration.
Charlie
If the average age of those OD'ing is 31 and the top cause is Charlie then can I suggest the Pacha crowd needs a little educating on not taking anything good to excess!!
As most prisons have more than 10 police/security and there's not a single jail anywhere in the UK (or the world for that matter) free from drugs what chance do you think there is of the Ibiza authorities achieving their aim of "eradicating drugs" with 10 'specially trained' Spanish policemen?
I'm not poking fun but does anyone else here think Ibiza politicians have taken up an impossible aim with zero chance of success with public money!!
If the average age of those OD'ing is 31 and the top cause is Charlie then can I suggest the Pacha crowd needs a little educating on not taking anything good to excess!!
As most prisons have more than 10 police/security and there's not a single jail anywhere in the UK (or the world for that matter) free from drugs what chance do you think there is of the Ibiza authorities achieving their aim of "eradicating drugs" with 10 'specially trained' Spanish policemen?
I'm not poking fun but does anyone else here think Ibiza politicians have taken up an impossible aim with zero chance of success with public money!!
McRackin
Super Moderator
he will be happy with the closure of 10 hours and a half then.....
McRackin
Super Moderator
Once again the police make headlines right before the season begins. Once again the "increased presence" will dissapear shortly after the season starts. Seriously, this is just a variation of THE SAME STORY that occurrs every single spring. When I see the looky-looky men gone from the promenade I'll believe that things have changed.
Interesting read nonetheless.....
Last edited by a moderator:
McRackin
Super Moderator
from the ibiza sun:
DC-10 Downed
DC-10, the controversial club which has never been far from the news since its opening, has once again been instructed to shut. The order comes from authorities of the Central Government on the island, headed by their representative, Sofia Hernanz.
It was her predecessor, Jose Manuel Bar, who started the process back in September 2005, when he accused the club of flagrantly allowing the consumption of drugs on its premises. The allegation followed two denuncias in September 2005. Due to the fact a similar complaint had been made by the Guardia Civil in May of the same year, a €6,000 fine was imposed, in addition to the commencement of a judicial process, which ended last year with the club being ordered to shut for two months.
However, lawyers working for DC-10 ensured the decision was soon overturned and the club opened as normal for the rest of the season. Now, the denuncias made back in 2005 look set to ensure the premises will be closing its doors for most of the season.
The owners were informed of the order last week and had until Monday to carry out the decree, after which they were to inform the Guardia Civil. However, lawyers for the club claimed drug controls were stricter than ever and they had increased the number of cameras in the establishment.
The Councillor for the Interior at the Town Hall of San Jose, Paquita Ribas, celebrated the decision by claiming it was "a weight off her mind". She said the club had been consistently breaking the law since it first opened adding that the premises did not even have a licence to open as a club, and only possessed a permit to operate as a café-concierto, with a capacity for 67 people. This was constantly abused and crowds of over 3,000 could regularly be found inside.
The spokeswoman for the Island Council, Pilar Costa, said they respected the decision of the judge and hoped the ruling acted as a warning to all businesses that while the disco scene was important to the island, illegal activities would not be tolerated.
DC-10 Downed
DC-10, the controversial club which has never been far from the news since its opening, has once again been instructed to shut. The order comes from authorities of the Central Government on the island, headed by their representative, Sofia Hernanz.
It was her predecessor, Jose Manuel Bar, who started the process back in September 2005, when he accused the club of flagrantly allowing the consumption of drugs on its premises. The allegation followed two denuncias in September 2005. Due to the fact a similar complaint had been made by the Guardia Civil in May of the same year, a €6,000 fine was imposed, in addition to the commencement of a judicial process, which ended last year with the club being ordered to shut for two months.
However, lawyers working for DC-10 ensured the decision was soon overturned and the club opened as normal for the rest of the season. Now, the denuncias made back in 2005 look set to ensure the premises will be closing its doors for most of the season.
The owners were informed of the order last week and had until Monday to carry out the decree, after which they were to inform the Guardia Civil. However, lawyers for the club claimed drug controls were stricter than ever and they had increased the number of cameras in the establishment.
The Councillor for the Interior at the Town Hall of San Jose, Paquita Ribas, celebrated the decision by claiming it was "a weight off her mind". She said the club had been consistently breaking the law since it first opened adding that the premises did not even have a licence to open as a club, and only possessed a permit to operate as a café-concierto, with a capacity for 67 people. This was constantly abused and crowds of over 3,000 could regularly be found inside.
The spokeswoman for the Island Council, Pilar Costa, said they respected the decision of the judge and hoped the ruling acted as a warning to all businesses that while the disco scene was important to the island, illegal activities would not be tolerated.
McRackin
Super Moderator
from the ibiza sun:
Kumharas´ Closed
The crackdown on clubs and bars who tolerate the consumption of drugs on their premises continued through the week with the closure of yet another popular bar. Kumharas', the sunset establishment in the bay of San Antonio, was ordered to close on Tuesday for an offence committed three years ago during a protest to legalise cannabis, in which police found "three or four people" smoking the drug, according to the owners. There were several posters around the bar on the night warning the consumption of drugs was not permitted on the premises.
After the denuncias were made, the Government's Delegation on the island decided, in June 2006, to fine the property €6,000 and order its closure for a total of two months. The establishment appealed against this decision, and was allowed to re-open. However, the appeal was later rejected by the Central Government's office in Ibiza, who ordered the bar to close. This was again stopped in the courts after the judge agreed to halt the closure order if the fine was paid within ten days.
On 27th September the owners, led by Miguel Costa, informed the court of their intention to carry out the sentence, and closed the bar throughout October and November. They proceeded to stay closed until opening once again on 11th March, for which they asked permission from the authorities. However, the bar has now been told that the sentence has yet to be carried out, and will need to be done so during the following two months.
Costa explained he thought the punishment, equal to that received by DC-10 which had received several denuncias, as exaggerated for something which had occurred on just one occasion. He said the bar had had no previous convictions and he remained confident the court would once again overturn the ruling.
Kumharas´ Closed
The crackdown on clubs and bars who tolerate the consumption of drugs on their premises continued through the week with the closure of yet another popular bar. Kumharas', the sunset establishment in the bay of San Antonio, was ordered to close on Tuesday for an offence committed three years ago during a protest to legalise cannabis, in which police found "three or four people" smoking the drug, according to the owners. There were several posters around the bar on the night warning the consumption of drugs was not permitted on the premises.
After the denuncias were made, the Government's Delegation on the island decided, in June 2006, to fine the property €6,000 and order its closure for a total of two months. The establishment appealed against this decision, and was allowed to re-open. However, the appeal was later rejected by the Central Government's office in Ibiza, who ordered the bar to close. This was again stopped in the courts after the judge agreed to halt the closure order if the fine was paid within ten days.
On 27th September the owners, led by Miguel Costa, informed the court of their intention to carry out the sentence, and closed the bar throughout October and November. They proceeded to stay closed until opening once again on 11th March, for which they asked permission from the authorities. However, the bar has now been told that the sentence has yet to be carried out, and will need to be done so during the following two months.
Costa explained he thought the punishment, equal to that received by DC-10 which had received several denuncias, as exaggerated for something which had occurred on just one occasion. He said the bar had had no previous convictions and he remained confident the court would once again overturn the ruling.
Drugs are part of society and have been for centuries. No government has ever managed to eradicate them, and i don't believe they ever will. What the people want, the people get and no laws or whatever else will stop that. The government needs to be seen to be trying to do something about the problems in Ibiza, but I think they also need to remember what made Ibiza famous in the first place. If it wasn't for the party culture of the island, would anyone have heard of it outside Europe? How many people outside of Europe can claim to have heard of Kos, Zante or numerous other islands around the med that are familiar only to Europeans?
tripehound
New Member
Who will the 'experts' be? Who is paying them all. I supect a few are there for a bit of a session themselves!
I think there are 250,000 visitors each year to ibiza an increasing number of whom are older and come for the very pricey restaurants, agritourismos and chill atmosphere that ibiza does so well KM5, Atzaro, Elephant Satrinxa Jockey Club, Pikes, Kumharas etc etc etc). Now that may or may not involve drugs, these are affluent types and will have what they want or go elsewehere, they wont generally get into fights, or needd hospitals etc. If the CI spoils that with their committe of 'experts' its spoils the whole good image and individuality of ibiza, the tourists may as well go to Minorca
I trust these experts will understand the good side of clubbing culture adn that excess alcohol and drugs (not precluding eitehr) like smoking is becoming less fashionable in most groups.
besides you can get drugs at home so there no reason to go there for that reason alone.
its good fro me that Ibiza has a bad image, it measn all the good places dont get rammed out like in St Tropez or go mad on pricing like Capri
I think there are 250,000 visitors each year to ibiza an increasing number of whom are older and come for the very pricey restaurants, agritourismos and chill atmosphere that ibiza does so well KM5, Atzaro, Elephant Satrinxa Jockey Club, Pikes, Kumharas etc etc etc). Now that may or may not involve drugs, these are affluent types and will have what they want or go elsewehere, they wont generally get into fights, or needd hospitals etc. If the CI spoils that with their committe of 'experts' its spoils the whole good image and individuality of ibiza, the tourists may as well go to Minorca
I trust these experts will understand the good side of clubbing culture adn that excess alcohol and drugs (not precluding eitehr) like smoking is becoming less fashionable in most groups.
besides you can get drugs at home so there no reason to go there for that reason alone.
its good fro me that Ibiza has a bad image, it measn all the good places dont get rammed out like in St Tropez or go mad on pricing like Capri
2.2 million last year!
what the fcuk is agrotourismos anyway, is it when beer boys come looking for bovver?