Alcohol allowed at Navajo casino

2008-02-01 11:52:07

The Navajo tribe's first casino in Shiprock, New Mexico has received approval from lawmakers to sell alcohol in the dining area, it has been reported.

Alochol is banned on the tribe's reservation, according to Las Cruces Sun-News, but a 38-36 vote by Navajo lawmakers has made the casino exempt.

Bob Winter, the local gaming chief, had said alcohol was necessary in order to compete with other casinos and suggested it could lose five per cent of gaming income and ten per cent of restaurant takings if people were not allowed to drink.

"It serves no purpose for the facility to invite people to get intoxicated," he said, trying to assure those who were against the motion.

He added: "It's meant to be fun and entertaining."

There are more than 20 casinos and racetrack gambling facilities in the state of New Mexico, the majority of which are in the areas of Santa Fe and Alburquerque.