Law would remove free-drink limits

Racetracks in Pennsylvania are not permitted to give people free drinks.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Gov. Ed Rendell said Wednesday he would sign legislation to let Pennsylvania's slot-machine parlors serve unlimited free alcoholic drinks to gamblers -- a measure that would allow an exception to the state's current limit of one free drink per person.
Rendell, however, said he expects state gambling regulators to include "control mechanisms" in licensing agreements with the operators of gambling establishments, such as possibly limiting the per-person distribution of drinks to one per hour.
"Virtually every gaming operation around the world has this amenity, but there are rules and regulations that control it and limit it," Rendell said at a news conference on another topic. "There is a tendency ... to think that these gaming institutions or gaming businesses want people to get falling-down, sloppy drunk so that they'll lose more money. That isn't the case."
The bill passed 27-22 in the Senate and 112-75 in the House on Nov. 21, before the Legislature adjourned for the year, ending its two-year session.
Reasons for support
Proponents of the measure say it is necessary to allow Pennsylvania's gambling establishments to compete with those in other states where round-the-clock free drinks are customary.
Under current law, the state's horse racing tracks cannot serve any free drinks, and other licensed establishments, such as bars and restaurants, can serve up to one free drink per patron.
The bill would allow 14 slots parlors, including the ones at racetracks, to serve free drinks during the hours that licensed liquor establishments can serve them, from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Lawmakers who oppose it say the bill is both irresponsible and unfair to other establishments that serve alcohol.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.