Has knife crime effecting house nights?

Usually music industry websites like Allourdaze avoid becoming entangled in topical social issues. After all we are part of the entertainment business – a long way from the wacky world of politics. But current concerns over what seems like a tidal wave of knife crime, stabbings and killings, clearly impinges on clubs and youth culture and inevitably the music scene. The question we asked was Has knife crime effecting house nights?

Maybe the first thing we should do is pause to consider whether the situation really is as bad as daily headlines and news bulletins suggest or whether it is simply a media frenzy. The Government have certainly recognized the issue and are now implementing new laws.

How long therefore before this perception begins to effect attendance at clubs and music gigs?

And what can be done to ensure people are safe when in clubs – and just as important, feel safe?

There are plenty of ideas. The other day I raised the issue on clubbing site 'Don't Stay in' (promoters group) and within minutes a steady stream of
suggestions began emerging.

For promoters of course there are several factors. The most obvious - stepping up security on the door. But how far should this go? Clubs want to assure visitors they take safety seriously but also need to avoid seeming oppressive.

People go out to have a good time and most don’t want to go somewhere where they fear there could be violence and danger. Up to now there is no evidence fears over possible violence are deterring people from going to clubs, certainly not House events.

At first glance more use of airport-style metal detectors may look a good choice. Many clubs have been using these for years but not all – so should detectors become a standard condition for obtaining a licence. For smaller clubs that might prove a difficulty, as detectors ain’t cheap while staff need to know how to use and monitor them.

With out wanting to make light of a very serious issue perhaps we should leave it with Smartie Party (SP) who suggested the answer is naked clubbing. Which in itself isn’t a bad idea but the funny thing is SP also wanted to extend this to airports too which could be a tad embarrassing especially when you’re stepping off the over night flight straight out into a freezing Gatwick morning.

On a slightly more serious note, your thoughts are welcome.