(Rony Camille/WBZ NewsRadio)
EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has voted to allow the new Wynn Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett to serve alcohol to gamblers on the gaming floor until 4 a.m.
It doesn't mean that just anyone can walk in and get a drink at that late hour. Most restaurants and bars at the casino will be closed well before 2 a.m., and only so-called "active gamers"—those who have been playing at least 20 minutes—can snag a drink.
They would also not be served more than three drinks per hour. They must be at gaming tables and spending money in order to get a "free" drink.
Commissioner Gayle Cameron asked Massachusetts State Police Det. Brian Conners how the policy is currently working at the MGM casino in Springfield, which got permission to serve until 4 a.m. last year.
"I believe there's a learning period, a learning curve for the public in general," Det. Conners said. "We were seeing increased crowds coming in, but I think word got out pretty quickly that you have to be actively gaming.
The commission also had plenty of questions about drunk drivers leaving the establishment, as they will be leaving after the MBTA shuts down.
Encore Boston Harbor President Robert DeSalvio says his employees will have power in those situations.
"I make sure that our staff 100 percent knows that if they have any question about a customer and their ability to operate a motor vehicle, they have the full authority to provide them a ride home," DeSalvio said.
The casino is set to open June 23 at 10 a.m.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports