Massachusetts casinos allowed to serve alcohol until 4am

 Currently, a 2011 law requires land-based casinos establishments to stop serving alcohol to its patrons between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m (with a 2 a.m last call). The new provision would move the goal posts to prevent the serving of alcohol from between 4 a.m to 8 a.m.

The provision is not quite as straightforward as just enabling the serving of alcohol for an additional two hours. Firstly, the House in question would have to apply for the extension via the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (who would hold the right to accept or deny the application).

Equally, the change was originally proposed as an ‘outside section’ in the House version of the budget which was approved in April. An outside section is attached to spending bills and often become law without a public hearing.

Wynn Resorts proposed the changes as they are building a US$ 2 billion facility in the State just outside of Boston and want to be able to serve alcohol up until 4 a.m citing Las Vegas with 24-hour cocktail bars as an example of being able to attract additional customers.

Massachusetts Senate President Stan Rosenberg strongly opposes changes. He has voiced his concern over the provision despite having been a key figure in the state law that legalised casino gambling in the state.

Speaking during an interview with the Boston Herald Radio, he said:‘‘I hate it,’’ whilst also adding that if casinos cannot take a few off from serving alcohol then there is something “wrong”. He also stated that he was “worried that casinos might in the future seek 24-hour alcohol service or to lift the state’s prohibition on smoking.”

Massachusetts budget also featured a reduction in the funding of problem gambling services and this latest provision looks to add weight to the argument of those against the reduction of funding.

However, whether the opportunity to create more business through longer serving hours remains to be seen but does represent a possibility.

Another concern is to public safety after Chelsea Police Officer Brian Kye told the Herald: ‘‘My concern is people drinking late leaving the casino floor and getting into a motor vehicle.’’ It is a valid point but only time will tell what the effect will be on the industry in Massachusetts.