If a casino ever comes to Churchrock, New Mexico, community members want liquor to be sold there.

The Churchrock Chapter voted 36-1 to approve liquor at the proposed casino. The move was influenced by sentiments about the sale of alcohol in the border town of Gallup, about 8 miles away.

“We want to take as much business as we can from Gallup," said Navajo Gaming Enterprise interim CEO Robert Winter, The Gallup Independent reported.

Ernest Yazzie Jr., the Navajo Nation Council delegate for Churchrock, says he will introduce legislation to authorize the sale of liquor at the casino. “Today it's a good day and historic day for us on the eastern side of the reservation,” he said.

The Navajo Nation wants to build up to six casinos in New Mexico and Arizona. Churchrock is supposed to be the first gaming site.

Get the Story:
Chapter OKs liquor at casino (The Gallup Independent 9/24)