Connecticut governor drops casino liquor expansion

Tuesday, March 10, 2009  

Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) has dropped a proposal to expand liquor sales at the two tribal casinos in the state.

Rell sought round-the-clock sales at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun. She said the state, in the midst of an economic crisis, would benefit from additional revenues.

But a fatal drunk-driving accident involving a Mohegan Sun patron caused her to reconsider. A spokesperson told The Hartford Courant that "this kind of tragedy certainly does give us pause to consider the wisdom of expanding casino service hours."

Daniel Musser, a 24-year-old Navy sailor, has been charged in connection with the death of Elizabeth Durante, a student who was on her wait to the airport for a humanitarian mission in Africa. The accident occurred after Musser left the casino.

Attorney general Richard Blumenthal said his office will determine whether the state's "dram shop" laws apply to bars and restaurants at tribal casinos. He doesn't know whether on-reservation facilities can be punished or held liable.

Get the Story:
Rell Drops Plan For Extended Bar Hours (The Hartford Courant 3/10)
Navy man held on $300,000 in weekend I-395 fatal (The Norwich Bulletin 3/10)
Groton Sailor Held In Fatal I-395 Crash (The New London Day 3/10)