President of Navajo Nation supports liquor beyond casinos

Friday, June 28, 2013
Filed Under: Openings and Closing | Regulation
More on: arizona, liquor, navajo, new mexico

The Navajo Nation Council is debating a bill to allow the sale of liquor at gaming facilities in Arizona but President Ben Shelly doesn't think it goes far enough.

Shelly supports liquor sales at all of the tribe's tourism businesses, the Associated Press reported. He believes it could bring in more revenue to the reservation, the AP said.

The tribe operates one gaming facility in Arizona but plans more in the state. "We have customers come in and say, `other casinos in Arizona allow it, how come you guys don't? Derrick Watchman, the chief executive officer for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise, told the AP.

The tribe operates three gaming facilities in New Mexico but the Class III gaming compact doesn't allow liquor on the gaming floor.

Get the Story:
Navajo lawmakers take up bill to let tribal casino patrons in Arizona drink while gambling (AP 6/28)

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Navajo Nation Council weighs liquor sales at Arizona casinos (6/26)