The prefect issues a global ban on all rave party type gatherings throughout the department for the year 2025.
ÉThe prefect François-Xavier Lauch has decided to completely ban rave parties in 2025 in Hérault. In 2024, he recalls in a press release, 17 rave parties took place illegally in the department, compared to 47 the previous year. “The firmness of the measures taken by the prefect of Hérault (prefectural orders prohibiting these demonstrations), the systematic mobilization of security forces (in particular preventatively by the deployment of substantial resources during “blue rave” operations) and the work carried out in concert with public prosecutors and local elected officials are bearing fruit”.
“These illicit gatherings are not welcome in Hérault”
The prefect thus justifies his decision: “Legitimately misunderstood by elected officials and residents, and more generally by all those who respect the law by declaring demonstrations, the prefect of Hérault undertakes for the year 2025 to continue this fight Thus the State representative decided to ban, by prefectural decree, rave party type events until the end of the year throughout the Hérault region.
A ban which also extends to the transport of sound equipment: any transport of “sound system” type equipment intended for these events is strictly prohibited on the department's road networks. These musical events, which have sometimes brought together up to 6,000 people, regularly take place in sensitive areas (sites classified as Natura 2000 zones) and are harmful to the environment.
-Public order disturbances
The latter generate significant disturbances to public order, health and public tranquility. They generate proven risks for personal safety (particularly related to fires) and the health of participants (excessive consumption of alcohol and narcotics). Rave parties irritate the entire population except those who participate in them. They mobilize a significant number of law enforcement officers (particularly soldiers from the gendarmerie group) to secure the area and carry out numerous checks. All of this represents a significant cost for society. The State must not let this happen. The prefect of Hérault will continue to act to ensure that the law and regulations are respected.
