Spring Break
24-hour bar would help the state, gamblers
Alex Sanders
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Commentary
Did you ever find yourself parched after a long night of blackjack and slot machines? Well, your thirst could be quenched if Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposal passes.
In an attempt to stimulate the economy and bring more money to Connecticut, Gov. Rell and Republican lawmakers are proposing that Connecticut casinos are allowed a 24-hour bar. Currently, casinos like Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods serve customers until 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights, and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The plan could produce around $5 million annually for Connecticut, which could help with the potential $1.35 billion deficit.
Democrats oppose this suggestion because of its controversial nature and the possible risks it could bring to Connecticut drivers, passengers and pedestrians. The theory is that the state would have to spend more money on DUI enforcement and roadblocks. However, the system is not entirely unusual. Casinos in Nevada and New Jersey already serve around the clock.
"Drinking and gambling all night is not a responsible response to our deficit crisis." Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams said in an interview with the Hartford Courant.
The real problem isn't the responsibility of the state. If a casino can stimulate the economy when the American people need it most, then why not extend the hours of the bar? Many Mohegan Sun bars seem to be open around 11 a.m. or noon. It allows people to start their day with a mimosa and a big breakfast, but if it were open at 7 a.m., those same customers would still order a mimosa.
If people are drinking until 2 a.m. they will likely be drunk for hours after. Alcohol burns off of your body at about .016 BAC per hour (about equal to one drink each hour, depending on your weight). But most people who are consistently drinking are not pacing themselves to the tune of one drink per hour. If those people are going to leave at 4 a.m., there is a high chance that they may not have burned off those three drinks from 2 a.m.
In an attempt to stimulate the economy and bring more money to Connecticut, Gov. Rell and Republican lawmakers are proposing that Connecticut casinos are allowed a 24-hour bar. Currently, casinos like Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods serve customers until 1 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights, and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
The plan could produce around $5 million annually for Connecticut, which could help with the potential $1.35 billion deficit.
Democrats oppose this suggestion because of its controversial nature and the possible risks it could bring to Connecticut drivers, passengers and pedestrians. The theory is that the state would have to spend more money on DUI enforcement and roadblocks. However, the system is not entirely unusual. Casinos in Nevada and New Jersey already serve around the clock.
"Drinking and gambling all night is not a responsible response to our deficit crisis." Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams said in an interview with the Hartford Courant.
The real problem isn't the responsibility of the state. If a casino can stimulate the economy when the American people need it most, then why not extend the hours of the bar? Many Mohegan Sun bars seem to be open around 11 a.m. or noon. It allows people to start their day with a mimosa and a big breakfast, but if it were open at 7 a.m., those same customers would still order a mimosa.
If people are drinking until 2 a.m. they will likely be drunk for hours after. Alcohol burns off of your body at about .016 BAC per hour (about equal to one drink each hour, depending on your weight). But most people who are consistently drinking are not pacing themselves to the tune of one drink per hour. If those people are going to leave at 4 a.m., there is a high chance that they may not have burned off those three drinks from 2 a.m.
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Edgar
posted 2/27/09 @ 4:25 PM EST
Bad idea, 1 AM is late enough.
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