State debating new casino booze rules
By Dave WedgeTuesday, August 21, 2012
State liquor officials are still mulling just how free the booze should flow at the state’s new casinos, as well as whether restaurants and gin mills should have more freedom to slash prices and run specials to compete with the gleaming gaming palaces.
“They have to give restaurateurs a little more flexibility,” said state Sen. Robert Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican and restaurant owner. “We know the casinos are getting special privileges.
I’m not suggesting we should match the casinos. But we should take a look at the regulations and see what we can do.”
It’s expected the new Bay State gaming parlors will be allowed to give free booze to gamblers, similar to most casinos, but the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission have yet to finalize rules. A public hearing is being held today on Beacon Hill, where restaurateurs, lawmakers and residents are expected to give their two cents on just how relaxed the alcohol laws should be at the casinos.
“They have to give restaurateurs a little more flexibility,” said state Sen. Robert Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican and restaurant owner. “We know the casinos are getting special privileges.
I’m not suggesting we should match the casinos. But we should take a look at the regulations and see what we can do.”
It’s expected the new Bay State gaming parlors will be allowed to give free booze to gamblers, similar to most casinos, but the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission have yet to finalize rules. A public hearing is being held today on Beacon Hill, where restaurateurs, lawmakers and residents are expected to give their two cents on just how relaxed the alcohol laws should be at the casinos.
Photo by Patrick Whittemore
LOOKING FOR FLEXIBILITY: State Sen. Robert Hedlund, who owns a restaurant, wants more freedom when it comes to rules on booze.
The hearing is also being held to review existing booze rules to help the ABCC decide whether to roll back restrictions on “happy hour” and other laws barring drink specials at existing establishments.
“The ABCC went into this with an open mind to see if the changes in the environment — the casinos, slots parlors — would dictate any changes in the happy hour legislation,” said State Treasurer Steven Grossman, who heads the ABCC and planned to attend the hearing. “It’s a listening opportunity.”
Another hearing will be held next month in Northampton, while the ABCC is slated to submit a report to the Legislature, Gov. Deval Patrick and Grossman by Jan. 30. The Gaming Commission and the ABCC will jointly create the booze rules for the casinos while the Gaming Commission will issue alcohol licenses, officials said.
Hedlund doesn’t support a return to “happy hour,” but fears free drinks at casinos will siphon away business from nearby restaurants and pubs.
“The laws are archaic,” he said, noting that many establishments regularly violate laws against daily drink specials. “They need to be reviewed.”
Strega owner Nick Varano thinks the casinos will attract more tourists and be “great for the city” but is hoping liquor officials will offer some “flexibility” with restaurant and bar owners to “level the playing field.” [There is no indication that Mr. Varano has conducted any reason research before making this fanciful statement. Studies have determined Casinos destroy tourism. Never let the facts determine a decision! ]
“I won’t mind if my competition gets certain privileges if I get some. too,” Varano said. “I look at this as a positive.”
“The ABCC went into this with an open mind to see if the changes in the environment — the casinos, slots parlors — would dictate any changes in the happy hour legislation,” said State Treasurer Steven Grossman, who heads the ABCC and planned to attend the hearing. “It’s a listening opportunity.”
Another hearing will be held next month in Northampton, while the ABCC is slated to submit a report to the Legislature, Gov. Deval Patrick and Grossman by Jan. 30. The Gaming Commission and the ABCC will jointly create the booze rules for the casinos while the Gaming Commission will issue alcohol licenses, officials said.
Hedlund doesn’t support a return to “happy hour,” but fears free drinks at casinos will siphon away business from nearby restaurants and pubs.
“The laws are archaic,” he said, noting that many establishments regularly violate laws against daily drink specials. “They need to be reviewed.”
Strega owner Nick Varano thinks the casinos will attract more tourists and be “great for the city” but is hoping liquor officials will offer some “flexibility” with restaurant and bar owners to “level the playing field.” [There is no indication that Mr. Varano has conducted any reason research before making this fanciful statement. Studies have determined Casinos destroy tourism. Never let the facts determine a decision! ]
“I won’t mind if my competition gets certain privileges if I get some. too,” Varano said. “I look at this as a positive.”
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