@pzerbo said:

@Lemuria said:

Isn't there a broad consensus that we'd like nitrous distribution deterred and kept away...?

Not based on what I saw recently at [Hartford, Jones Beach, Fenway, MSG, *Carnegie Hall* etc]. There seems to be a broad consensus against the distribution of nitrous by a self-selected group of fans on the Intergoogles, but when the tanks emerge at a show there is an insta-line every time, representing a wholly different consensus. People stop buying, these guys pack up their tanks and go elsewhere. Tell your friends.

Regardless, I'd like to see this approached for what it is: organized crime. But in most of the instances (definitely in New York, definitely in Boston, definitely in Philly) the cops are in on the action, so its a huge uphill climb. The people who peddle this stuff are dangerous and very often violent; they should relentlessly tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted. No place for that shit at a Phish show or anywhere else.

Agree with all you said...interesting take on the urban cops' being paid off...I'd add that these guys are infinitely worse at multi-day camping festivals than in parking lots or streets around urban venues. At least you can keep walking...but try telling the aholes at the next tent to cool it with all night screaming "one for five five for twenty" and the tanks and you will get a very unfriendly response atypical of cheerful jamband fans...or you will witness actual beatdowns when people try to steal drugs or money from each other or defend their "turf". Lots of good festivals (e.g., Berkfest) were basically done in by the "nitrous/hippie mafia" they infiltrated the legit vendors and paid for stalls; it's very hard to police the hilly, wooded areas of a ski resort compared to open fields at many other festivals, etc.