Board Absolves Boston Venues After Drug Overdoses

Overdoses tied to the drug ecstasy, or the street version often referred to as “molly,” are on the rise and board members reportedly urged the Pavilion during an Oct. 8 hearing to increase monitoring of restrooms where drug use can occur.

Pavilion GM Jim Jensen told the board fans are examined at the venue entrance for signs of intoxication and “whenever we see someone who does not appear to be in good condition, we stop them and call law enforcement,” the Boston Globe reported.

He added that one of the overdose victims was only at the show for a few minutes before being rushed to the hospital, another man that purchased the drug Ketamine was carried from his seat by people sitting near him and a third man, who blacked out after taking a $30 hit of molly, was asked to leave for causing a disturbance.

The city’s House of Blues, which had three drug overdoses in August – one fatal – was also under review.

Police told members there was nothing security at either venue could have done to prevent the overdoses, the Globe said, and HoB officials echoed that sentiment during a previous hearing, reportedly explaining more than 130 intoxicated fans were turned away from the club the night of the overdoses.

The Licensing Board found Oct. 10 that no violations were committed by either venue, according to CBS Boston. If violations had been found, the board could have suspended or revoked the venues’ licenses.