Foxborough: Lost Local Control

Casino would play by its own liquor rules
BY MATT KAKLEY SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Any gaming venue in Foxboro would get its permits from state, not the town

FOXBORO - The town would be cut off from regulating liquor licenses or enforcing alcohol violations at a proposed resort casino across from Gillette Stadium on Route 1.

Under the state's new expanded gaming legislation, the casino would receive its alcohol license directly from the state, rather than from the town, as other bars and restaurants do.

The license would encompass the entire resort facility, including any restaurants or clubs contained within.

The town currently pursues a policy of strict alcohol enforcement at Gillette Stadium and at bars and restaurants, many of which are clustered at Patriot Place on Route 1.

Alcohol issues have plagued Foxboro in recent years and officials are working to strengthen the town's rules and regulations. Police Chief Edward O'Leary and Selectwoman Lorraine Brue have spent the better part of the past year looking at the issue and are expected to present their findings to the full board of selectmen soon.

The findings will deal with the town's enforcement efforts and inspection procedures, O'Leary said.

O'Leary said it was premature to say what effect a casino would have on the town's fight against alcohol abuse.

"It would be just mere speculation at this point about impacts," he said.

Town Counsel Paul DeRensis said Thursday the newly formed state gaming commission, in conjunction with the state's Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, would be charged with creating a Gaming Liquor Enforcement Unit.

The unit would be responsible for monitoring the gaming establishments and making sure they are in compliance with state law. Any punishments, such as those for serving an underage or intoxicated person, would be meted out by the state gaming commission.

Other businesses are investigated and punished by the town if there is an issue.

Casinos in the state will also be able to offer drink specials and free drinks to gamblers only, except between the hours of 2 and 8 a.m. - practices that are not permitted to other establishments in the state.

The free drinks are only allowed in the gaming area, not the rest of the facility.

As part of the legislation, the ABCC is charged with investigating and creating a report on whether the new gaming alcohol licenses represent a unfair competitive advantage for casinos at the expense of other bars and restaurants around the state.

Once the report is completed in June 2013, it's possible that liquor license restrictions will be relaxed across the state, DeRensis said.

The issue of how town public safety personnel would deal with the casino would be up for negotiation, according to the legislation, with the state gaming commission responsible for creating a memorandum of understanding between the town's police department and casino operators.

The memorandum would include details on how emergency calls for service at the casino would be handled, as well as how alleged crimes involving casino employees or patrons would be investigated.

The state law also suggests that casino operators establish an on-site day care program.