' So, why we think that is necessary out in Springfield makes me scratch my head,' said Luz. Luz points out the two resort casinos in Connecticut don’t serve alcohol past 2 a.m. ' The ability to give away food and beverage, or give it at greatly discounted prices - beause casinos make their money on gambling, not food and beverage as opposed to restaurants - it is really going to put a stranglehold on a lot of the longtime established local community restaurants,' said Luz. MRA president Bob Luz said MGM’s proposal for extended drinking hours has upset Springfield-area restaurant owners, who are already nervous about losing business to the big casino. beverages will be served in plastic cups to prevent people from attempting to leave the casino floor with a drink in-hand. 'We want the public to understand there is not a 'bar scene' on our property after 2 a.m.,' Stratton said.Īfter 2 a.m. He said MGM is planning to enforce strict controls with drinks available only from cocktail servers to people who are actively gambling, and at two bars where customers must sit in front of video poker terminals. just like any other bars in the community,' explained Stratton. we will offer that service, but if you want to hang out at a bar, our bars close at 2 a.m. ' If you are a gaming customer and would like to have a cocktail as you continue to game up until 4 a.m. MGM Springfield Vice President & General Counsel Seth Stratton said the proposal before the gaming commission is to have extended hours for alcohol service only on the casino floor. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association this week urged the casino regulators to reject MGM’s request to keep the drinks flowing past 2 a.m. – with approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. But the state legislature voted to allow casinos to serve until 4 a.m. time frame,' said Dixon.īars and restaurants in Massachusetts are not permitted to serve alcohol past 2 a.m. ' Our business is open 24 hours and we expect people will be there 24 hours, but only if they are actively gaming would they be able to consume ( alcohol) after that 2 a.m. – two hours later than the typical closing time for bars in Massachusetts.Īlex Dixon, the general manager of MGM Springfield, said being able to drink alcohol is part of the late-night casino experience people expect. MGM Springfield is seeking permission from state gambling regulators to serve drinks on the casino floor until 4 a.m.

The state’s restaurant industry opposes a later “last call” at the casino.

The first resort casino in Massachusetts, scheduled to open this summer in Springfield, wants to serve alcohol into the wee hours of the morning.

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