IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • DancingQueen
    AVB FanClub | President
    • Oct 2005
    • 4061

    IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.



    Source:

    "Ibiza woke up to ugly news for clubbers this morning: a whiplash Government mandate to shut down DC10 for the next two months and Amnesia and Bora Bora for the next month, effective immediately. Our source says clubs are banding together to take legal action, and will be bringing you updates as and when news happens.”

    “Holy shit” was all I could say when I heard. A whirlwind of vicious rumours about policing and politics always blows through Ibiza like an ill wind, but seeing the news in a three-line head on the front page of Diario de Ibiza still came as a rude, rude shock.

    The news inside was brief, non-specific, but to the point. The action is in response to local police and Guardia Civil reports on the use and/or dealing of drugs within the venues during 2005-2006, and the allegation the clubs have done nothing to stop it.

    Their argument is: it’s dangerous and it damages Ibiza’s tourist credentials. Also, they say, during the opening weekend this summer 450 people were found to be in possession of intoxicating drugs, and one hospital took in 11 people with symptoms of drug intoxication (though no details were supplied as to the types of drug(s) involved, or the number of cases involving alcohol abuse in the same period). Where do you start with that line up of information? Curiously, no facts or figures are given for the drug use “observed” in 2005-2006. Or, more saliently, to back up the Government assertion that the use created “dangerous situations.” After spending seven sweaty, crowded, but peaceful hours in DC10 last Monday (where two blokes tried, but didn’t quite manage to have a fight, and wound up shaking hands and dancing together 20 minutes later) I walked back to my hotel through the West End of Sant Antoni. The streets were crammed with ferociously drunk Brits staggering, shouting, shoving or simply collapsing. It was the only time all weekend I felt unsafe, and I’m prepared to swear none of them were taking drugs.


    This adds an interesting twist to the argument that the use of drugs in these three particular clubs damages Ibiza’s tourist image. To whom, unwilling, does the drug menace present its ugly face? The hard-hit DC10 is down a side road where no straight-headed tourist would ever have a reason to be. Moreover, it’s doubly enclosed: a high white fence around thick white walls. You have to be a paying customer to see what goes on inside, and it’s hard to imagine many people go through the doors who don’t know exactly what to expect. The same goes for Amnesia, hermetically sealed off from the outside world and certainly from passing families on their way to the beach. Arguably Bora Bora may be accessible to “unwary” tourists, but the worst thing you’re likely to see there are ruddy Englishmen putting away too much San Miguel, or the odd hippie wandering around sporting bad dreads. Hardly enough to scar even the most delicate sensibility.

    On the other hand, the binge drinking in Sant Antoni is an obvious, ugly, intimidating fact of life for many who are merely trying to have a week in the sun with the kids. Yet that scene is apparently immune from the clenched fist of the law.

    Of course, there is the superficially impressive figure of 450 people caught red handed with “sustancis estupefacientes” in three days. It sounds like a lot. Until you remember how many thousands of clubbers poured into each of the clubs over the past weekend. Space and DC10 accounted for 30,000 clubbers (a conservative estimate). Assuming the majority of those seizures were from those two main parties, that leaves the rate of drug busts at a paltry 1,5%. That’s more than 98% of clubbers, according to the police’s own statistics, who did nothing wrong. Which makes these club closures a monstrous punishment meted out to many for the sins of very few.

    It also raises the interesting question: why these? Amnesia isn’t even open, so they surely aren’t responsible for any of last weekend’s busts. Why one and not the other? Who?s next?

    One thing is certain: the people who are going to suffer most deserve it the least. The industry in Ibiza lives for summer. To be shut down for a month here is like an ordinary club being shut down for a year. First to get the chop are going to be the people who work the hardest for the least money – PRs, bartenders, cleaning staff – many of whom will have saved up all year to come out to the island for a summer of work and play (and will shortly be on a plane home); many more Ibicencos who rely on the summer months for their main income. It seems a cheap, ugly shot for the Government to take at its own people and economic stability. Almost as if they threw it before thinking quite what would happen when the blow fell.

    Then there are the thousands of people who’ve already booked and paid for holidays, and are eagerly anticipating their favourite events: Circoloco and Superfreq at DC10; Cocoon and Cream at Amnesia… Forget damaging the tourist industry: don’t the powers that be realise people spend all year looking forward to one or two blinding nights in Ibiza, and will be bitterly disappointed and angry – especially at the timing? Since this action is in response to alleged problems in 2005-2006 many will wonder, rightly, why they waited until the start of the season (when most dedicated clubbers are already committed to their holidays) to make this brutal announcement. There is a whiff of bait-and-switch about it. Almost as if they waited till the last moment, till the frenzy of opening weekend got everybody excited about Ibiza, talking about Ibiza, planning for Ibiza, to drop the bomb. (Surely if they were that concerned following last season they could have spent the winter discussing and working with DC10, Amnesia and Bora Bora to implement changes or increase security?)

    This will inevitably deal a massive blow to this season, but it’s the coming years the Ibicencos will have to worry about. Once this becomes public knowledge people from around the world will think twice before booking their week or two weeks? holiday next year. Why spend your holiday money to go to clubbing paradise when there’s a good chance you’ll arrive to find your favourite clubs locked up, dark and silent? Some people will take the chance – depending on how the situation plays out – but many more will be understandably reluctant to commit to Ibiza again. Which, again, will have a deleterious knock-on effect for the majority of Ibicencos who work in the tourist trade, and on the rest of the local economy that relies on their spending power year-round.

    Ibiza-Voice sources assure us DC10, Amnesia and Bora Bora have banded together to take legal action against this ruling. Unless there is incredibly compelling information that’s not yet in the public domain it is hard to see how the Government will justify this particular course of action and its timing. Speculation will be rife until the matter is settled, one way or another, and probably for long after.

    Money, drugs, politics: it’s a witches brew, and the authorities have stirred up a pot that may have been better left alone. The spectre of future arbitrary club closures is a kick in the teeth for the industry as everyone looks over their shoulder and wonders, “who’s next?” now a political Pandora’s Box is open it may be impossible to contain the heavy, ugly repercussions…
    sigpic
    RIP Steve "Jibs" James - Your footprint is forever on my soul and in my heart xoxo
    RIP Jeff Shewchuk aka DJ Jeff Taylor (day_for_night) - You will live on in my heart forever xoxo

    Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
  • DancingQueen
    AVB FanClub | President
    • Oct 2005
    • 4061

    #2
    Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

    If it is happening here, it will have the trickle effect all over the world...
    sigpic
    RIP Steve "Jibs" James - Your footprint is forever on my soul and in my heart xoxo
    RIP Jeff Shewchuk aka DJ Jeff Taylor (day_for_night) - You will live on in my heart forever xoxo

    Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

    Comment

    • DancingQueen
      AVB FanClub | President
      • Oct 2005
      • 4061

      #3
      Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

      oh and if anyone can read spanish.....could you do me a favour and go to Diario de Ibiza's website and look up yesterdays news for me to see if the article in the paper really exisits and post it, translated please!!

      I tried to figure it out and failed lol
      sigpic
      RIP Steve "Jibs" James - Your footprint is forever on my soul and in my heart xoxo
      RIP Jeff Shewchuk aka DJ Jeff Taylor (day_for_night) - You will live on in my heart forever xoxo

      Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

      Comment

      • unkownartist
        Banned
        • Nov 2005
        • 4146

        #4
        Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

        lol my m8 just touched down in abiza @ 4 am this morning lmao

        Comment

        • floridaorange
          I'm merely a humble butler
          • Dec 2005
          • 29116

          #5
          Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

          Originally posted by DancingQueen
          If it is happening here, it will have the trickle effect all over the world...
          It does?

          It was fun while it lasted...

          Comment

          • phazon
            Gold Gabber
            • Jun 2004
            • 750

            #6
            Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

            Can't believe this, was there last weekend for the opening parties, would have been GUTTED!

            More here http://www.residentadvisor.net/news.aspx?id=8717


            Just as the summer season kicks in, authorities close three of Ibiza’s most popular clubs, citing drugs violations.

            Amnesia and Bora Bora will be forced to close for one month starting next week, while DC10 will have to shut it doors for two months, beginning next Monday.

            The action against the clubs is the result of Guardia Civil investigations into the consumption and sale of drugs at the venues during 2005-2006. The police allege that the clubs have done nothing to curb the activity, thus the shutdown.

            In addition, each venue faces a fine of 6,000 euros.

            The use of narcotics “creates dangerous situations” and “damages Ibiza’s tourist credentials”, sources at the Ministry of the Interior told local newspaper Diario de Ibiza today.

            With Ibiza clubs only open during the summer season, the length of the closures were judged to be “the equivalent of a year in other parts of Spain,” according to sources at the Ministry.

            The closures will come as a massive blow to all three clubs and the industry on the island in general. Amnesia was due to open on June 16 with big nights lined up for June including Cocoon and Cream. Mondays at DC-10 started last week, but the club will shut after merely one opening party.

            The decision can be challenged in the courts.
            ----------------------------

            Comment

            • FM
              Wooooooo!
              • Jun 2004
              • 5361

              #7
              Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

              clubbers should file a class action lawsuit against the government for damages accrued for their trips
              FM

              "Nowadays everyone is a fucking DJ." - Jack Dangers

              What record did you loose your virginity to?
              "I don't like having sex with music on- I find it distracting. And if it's a mix cd- forget it. I'm stopping to check the beat mixing in between tracks." - Tom Stephan

              Download/Listen To My Mixes
              Facebook!
              A Journey Into Sound On MCast

              Satisfaction guaranteed, or double your music back.

              Comment

              • DancingQueen
                AVB FanClub | President
                • Oct 2005
                • 4061

                #8
                Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                Well the people there right now are lucky seeing as it doesn't take effect until next week
                sigpic
                RIP Steve "Jibs" James - Your footprint is forever on my soul and in my heart xoxo
                RIP Jeff Shewchuk aka DJ Jeff Taylor (day_for_night) - You will live on in my heart forever xoxo

                Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

                Comment

                • berps
                  Gold Gabber
                  • Jul 2004
                  • 536

                  #9
                  Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                  so so so so so glad im not going this year!! well im not but! this time last year i would be looking forward to jetting out there for we love space @ sundays opening and 10 days of partying i feel mega sorry for everyone thats already booked to jet out there i figure the warning signs have been there for sometime ive been a frequent visitor for the last few years but it has been coming not really sure how the island will exsist its ben a party island know for its dance culture for a very long time would hate for it to turn into another Tenerife very interesting point about the clubbing element (playa den bossa 'space and bora bora' ibiza town 'pacha el divino' v's the drunkard bums of san an's westend) Its gonna be a long summer i hope they sort it out cos i wanna go next year VIVA THE BALERIC'S
                  "IM GETTING CAKED@THEWEEKEND!!!!!!!!! "

                  Comment

                  • DancingQueen
                    AVB FanClub | President
                    • Oct 2005
                    • 4061

                    #10
                    Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                    Yeah my friend is going over in 3 weeks and DC10 was one of the main reasons he was going......he's not to impressed as his plane ticket is already purchased.....hopefully they resolve this quickly.....I can't see them keeping the clubs closed that long....the scene is their main source of income for the summer....and yes there are other clubs still open, but they are the main 3 that people go over for
                    sigpic
                    RIP Steve "Jibs" James - Your footprint is forever on my soul and in my heart xoxo
                    RIP Jeff Shewchuk aka DJ Jeff Taylor (day_for_night) - You will live on in my heart forever xoxo

                    Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

                    Comment

                    • JK224
                      Addiction started
                      • Oct 2005
                      • 372

                      #11
                      Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                      Sucks. I was hoping to go next year for the first time, hope there's no problems then.

                      Comment

                      • tiddles
                        Encryption, Jr.
                        • Jun 2004
                        • 6861

                        #12
                        Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                        you can always pick up sluts at the beach, right?

                        Comment

                        • phazon
                          Gold Gabber
                          • Jun 2004
                          • 750

                          #13
                          Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                          Originally posted by DancingQueen
                          but they are the main 3 that people go over for
                          Don't agree with that - Amnesia hasn't been any good for years, and Bora Bora isn't somewhere you'd visit the island specifically for... The 'big 3' for most imo are Space, Pacha and DC-10 - two of those are still open, so the place will still be rocking. As I said before, I'd be gutted if DC-10 was shut while I was there, but two out of three ain't bad.
                          ----------------------------

                          Comment

                          • simonr
                            Transitionator
                            • Jun 2004
                            • 8796

                            #14
                            Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                            This is ridiculous ! There were drug wars on the streets of San Antonio last year - the actual dealing inside clubs is very limited by comparison - in fact I can't recall being approached at Amnesia last year: and many people have probably scored before they enter the club. I'd have expected Space to be the 1st one that got closed (maybe they have more pull with the government officials and DC10 couldn't afford the back handers). I've booked my flight and leave in 14-days - thankfully I'm going to Pacha, which is a traditionally a drinking club and exceptionally well run (they've got Digweed and Hernan on the Renaissance bill ! I may even catch Eric Morillo the previous night for a laugh). While I like Bora Bora, these days I prefer to chill in the daytime, having a few drinks and some lovely food at the Jockey Club or Sa Trinxa in Salinas. Primarily I'm there for the music and the vibe, plus a well earned rest (I am getting on these days !).
                            sigpicSimonR

                            This release was mastered direct from vinyl at the request of the DJ and as such features natural sound characteristics of this medium such as record surface noise.

                            Comment

                            • Huggie Smiles
                              Anyone have Styx livesets?
                              • Jun 2004
                              • 11835

                              #15
                              Re: IBIZA CRISIS: Amnesia, DC10 and Bora Bora shut down by authorities.

                              Mixmag has flaunted the Ibiza drug experience for years - its hardly surprizing.

                              I wonder what the number of tourist would be if no clubs existed tho!

                              Its all dame David Bowies fault for making it popular in the 70's.
                              ....Freak in the morning, Freak in the evening, aint no other Freak like me thats breathing....




                              Comment

                              Working...