An application by Kent Police to review Dreamland’s licence and put interim measures in place following the death of teenager Emily Stokes – who had been attending a Worried About Henry event at the park – reveals that 21 under 18s at the gig were taken to hospital with one remaining in a medically induced coma.
Seventeen-year-old Emily was declared dead at QEQM Hospital at 5.58pm on Saturday 29 June following a suspected MDMA overdose. Her distraught older sister Megan described Emily as the “kindest person you could ever meet.”
The tragedy prompted police to declare a major incident, undertake an investigation and request five interim measures, including the cancellation of all drum and bass events, to Dreamland’s event licence which were agreed by Thanet council members on a licensing sub-committee on July 9.
Another 21 patients with symptoms relating to a drugs overdose
In the application from Kent Police it says: “Kent Police have been informed of an additional 21 patients who were admitted to hospital suffering with similar symptoms relating to a drugs overdose, all of whom had also been at the Dreamland event.
“Kent Police declared a major incident. All except one person have been discharged, with the remaining victim (at the time of writing) remaining in hospital in a medically induced coma.”
There were around 6,300 tickets sold in advance of the Worried About Henry event and 700 tickets were sold on the door.
In the early afternoon Kent Police became aware of several people ejected from the venue through intoxication, which was possibly drug related, and three people at that point being taken to hospital from the venue believed to be suffering the ill effects of a drugs overdose.
Just before 6pm police officers found a 17-year-old male on the Hall by the Sea Road who was unwell and suffering with the side effects of drug use. First aid was administered, and an ambulance called. Shortly after this a call was made to Kent Police by NHS staff to advise that Emily, who was one of the three taken to hospital earlier from the event, had been declared deceased following a suspected MDMA overdose.
Major Incident declared
The police review application says: “Due to the circumstance around the death of the child, a tactical discussion was held with key partners around closing Dreamland and holding it as a crime scene. It was decided that this would likely have caused a large-scale public order incident and that allowing the event to continue would assist in the identification and support of any further casualties who could be treated accordingly.
“This was a challenging decision but allowed mitigating factors to implemented to minimise the risk towards already vulnerable children at the event.”
At 7pm that evening a Major Incident was declared with police by then aware of 11 people being taken to hospital due to: “drug use and potential overdoses.”
All of those people were aged under 18 with the youngest being 15.
Interim measures
Police had previously made representations around a similar event due to be held on July 27th and this has been cancelled by Dreamland.
The review request from police adds: “Kent Police believe that in general the premises has been well run and well suited to what we would deem to be lower risk events. The partnership between the venue and Kent Police has been well developed over the years and have always worked well to achieve joint aims.
“The management of events specifically targeted at over 16’s and particular music genres are historically faced with challenges. The venue has had issues with similar previous events in 2023/24, where there were some wider issues raised with crime and disorder.”
Kent Police say a full revocation of the licence is not being sought and officers are confident in working with Dreamland prior to any review hearing.
Members of the licensing sub-committee approved the interim measures, which are:
- Formal cancellation of all Drum and Bass events and those deemed to be a higher risk association with class A and B drug use by those under 18 years of age.
- Removal of promotion/ticket sales immediately related to such event’s.
- Increase of ratio of SIA security/staff. Ratio 1 SIA per 100 Patrons– for ‘higher risk’ events such as Trance/Garage/Grime events.
- Zero tolerance signage regarding drug use and possession throughout the venue
- All under 18’s to be accompanied by an adult defined as 25 years and over and suitable measures in place to manage this such as a wristband system
The force confirmed reports of drug dealing in the area were received on the day and seven people were arrested on suspected dealing offences. Two of those were released without charge and five were bailed pending further enquiries.
Full review of licence
A request for a full review of the licence has now been made by Kent Police.
Any person wanting to make representations regarding the request for review of Dreamland’s premises licence should do so in writing sent to the Licensing Department, PO 9 Cecil Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XZ or [email protected] between now and 19th July.
The full review will take place on July 24.
County Councillor Karen Constantine, who is one of the representatives for Ramsgate, has asked for the issue to be added to the next Health Reform and Public Health Cabinet Committee meeting.
She said: “We must establish clarity on exactly what happened at Dreamland on June 29th and devise an updated public health strategy accordingly.
“I’m no expert in substance misuse, but clearly no person is going to seek to buy dangerous drugs which are likely to harm them in this way. A significant number of young people have very sadly been harmed, including a death and someone in a coma.
“What are public health doing in response? How are we ensuring an effective public health message, including an update on this terrible situation, is in circulation? Have schools, colleges, and whatever youth clubs that are left in Kent being notified? Are the young people themselves involved in devising and driving forward any such messaging? Are parents and guardians being informed?
“We all need to better understand exactly what happened, what investigation is taking place, and most importantly what is now being implemented to prevent a repeat. I believe this to be urgent.”
Megan has set up a fundraiser to help pay for her sister Emily’s funeral. Find the fundraising page here
