State regulators open door to slots in liquor stores

Friday, June 23, 2000 | 11 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Gaming Commission opened the door Thursday to allow slot machines in liquor stores.

The commission, on a 4-1 vote, made a preliminary determination that liquor stores were suitable locations for up to four slot machines. Earlier this year the commission adopted a new slot machine location regulation that found such places as car washes, laundries, fast food restaurants and liquor stores should not get licenses.

But Commissioner Sue Wagner of Reno said liquor stores seem to be acceptable locations since minors are not typically allowed in these businesses.

Clark County has an ordinance that prohibits minors from setting foot in liquor stores. There is no similar ordinance in the rest of the counties.

Commissioner Augie Gurrola, who dissented, said the commission adopted the regulation to protect the quality of life. "We don't want to have slot machines in every nook and cranny in the state," he said.

Steve DuCharme, chairman of the state Gaming Control Board, said the action by the commission doesn't mean every application from a liquor store will be approved.

"This is not a blanket approval of every liquor store application," DuCharme said.

United Coin Machine Co. proposed the change.

After taking the action, the commission approved two slot machines for West Flamingo Liquor at 4155 S. Buffalo Drive in Las Vegas, which will be operated by United Coin Machine.