SANTA CRUZ: IT'S NOT THAT RA-RA-RA

You have to wonder about a place where life imitates Footloose: Santa Cruz is trying to outlaw houseparties. From the end of July, it'll become illegal to hold a gathering in your own home in the city which gets too disruptive for anyone else. Now, while we can see the need for some sort of check that preserves everyone else's right to peace and quiet, the legilsation has been written so poorly that the council forgot to define what, exactly, constitutes a violation. In effect, having a couple round to eat Spaghetti Bolognaise while playing Portishead on repeat could constitute an illegal party.

Our advice: if you're planning a funeral tea in Santa Cruz next month, or a wedding, you'd better be prepared for someone sending in the cops.

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