Mayor’s Beefeater deal off

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 10:02 a.m.

Negotiations with Mayor Oscar Goodman's favorite gin producer have come to a "screeching halt," but his honor may consider becoming the spokesman for a competing brand.

Apparently, Beefeater gin is out, and Tanqueray is in.

For months, Goodman was in negotiations with Beefeater, which approached him about becoming the spokesman for his favorite drink. Goodman loved the idea, as long as it would generate at least $100,000, which he said would be funneled into city coffers.

But at his weekly press conference Thursday Goodman said negotiations had broken off because Beefeater offered to pitch just $25,000 his way.

Goodman, who mentions his favorite drink during press conferences, interviews, and speeches, said the partnership would have to result in at least $100,000.

But when it comes to generating revenue through other means, such as selling the city's name and seal to an Internet gaming company, Goodman would expect to earn several million dollars for Las Vegas.

"With Internet gaming, it's the reputation of the state," he said. "My cirrhosis is the only thing at stake here."