Tribes get off easy, say business owners

Owners of bars and liquor package stores in Connecticut say the state lets the Pequot and Mohegan tribes off easy. Non-Indian businesses typically receive a few days suspension for breaking the law, whereas the same violation at either tribes' casinos gets a fine. State liquor officials defend the practice, citing the practicality of shutting down such large scale operations.

Casinos receive $3,000 fines, compared to the average $1,500 for bars and package stores, in addition to a suspension.

Critics maintain the state does not enforce the law equally since the state has a financial interest in casino profits.

Source: State has separate rules for casinos, bars (AP 4/24)