Princess sets sail sans alcohol

Monday, July 2, 2001 | 11:04 a.m.

FREEPORT, Texas -- Passengers on a Texas gambling ship won't be having much fun until they're offshore.

Not only will gamblers on the Surfside Princess not be able to legally place any bets, but they will also have to wait until they're into international waters before they can legally buy alcoholic beverages.

That's because there's no liquor license yet for the boat that investors hope will lure gamblers away from Louisiana casinos.

The boat set sail on its first voyage Friday night.

Although the boat's owner, Southern Texas Gaming, has no liquor license, an official with the company doesn't think any customers will mind that they can't get a cocktail to steady what may be a choppy ride to the high seas.

"I think they just want to gamble," said Jerry Bass, a general manager for Southern Texas Gaming.

The boat has applied for a liquor license, but the process is expected to take another 60 days.

Since an admission fee is charged to board the ship, alcoholic beverages cannot be given away while the ship is in Texas waters, said Brian Bowers, a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent in Angleton.

But he said it would be legal for the public customers to bring their own alcohol aboard the ship as long as while the vessel does not have a liquor license and if Southern Texas Gaming allows the move.

The boat holds 1,700 people.