thedrifter
12-17-08, 06:38 AM
Citing safety, Marine bulletin declares ‘Party Bus’ off limits
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, December 18, 2008
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — All events sponsored by a company known for its "Party Bus" that caters to U.S. personnel are off limits to Marine personnel, according to a Marine Corps Bases Japan bulletin posted Thursday.
Parties International was placed off limits because Marine leadership "received credible information" that events sponsored by the company "constitute a threat to the health, safety and welfare" of U.S. personnel here, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Adrian Rankine-Galloway said in an e-mail Monday to Stripes and Stripes. Rankine-Galloway would not give any examples of specific events.
Kadena Air Base spokeswoman Beth Gosselin said Parties International events have not been placed off limits to Kadena personnel and she was unaware of plans to do so.
The company describes itself on its Web site as a "group of promoters dedicated to improving international relations" through fun and entertainment.
The group advertises on its Web site that it advocates responsible partying by providing transport for people who have been drinking and that it does not do business with those under 20 — the legal drinking age in Japan.
The group coordinates nightclub parties, shows and private parties but lists its most popular activity as the "Party Bus" that transports groups to off-base bars and clubs and delivers customers "back to the gate on time, until this curfew is over."
The order applies to all Marines, Defense Department civilians, SOFA-status contractors employed or living on a Marine base in Japan and their dependents, and those on temporary additional duty, Rankine-Galloway said.
Ellie
By Cindy Fisher, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, December 18, 2008
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — All events sponsored by a company known for its "Party Bus" that caters to U.S. personnel are off limits to Marine personnel, according to a Marine Corps Bases Japan bulletin posted Thursday.
Parties International was placed off limits because Marine leadership "received credible information" that events sponsored by the company "constitute a threat to the health, safety and welfare" of U.S. personnel here, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Adrian Rankine-Galloway said in an e-mail Monday to Stripes and Stripes. Rankine-Galloway would not give any examples of specific events.
Kadena Air Base spokeswoman Beth Gosselin said Parties International events have not been placed off limits to Kadena personnel and she was unaware of plans to do so.
The company describes itself on its Web site as a "group of promoters dedicated to improving international relations" through fun and entertainment.
The group advertises on its Web site that it advocates responsible partying by providing transport for people who have been drinking and that it does not do business with those under 20 — the legal drinking age in Japan.
The group coordinates nightclub parties, shows and private parties but lists its most popular activity as the "Party Bus" that transports groups to off-base bars and clubs and delivers customers "back to the gate on time, until this curfew is over."
The order applies to all Marines, Defense Department civilians, SOFA-status contractors employed or living on a Marine base in Japan and their dependents, and those on temporary additional duty, Rankine-Galloway said.
Ellie