EVERETT, Mass. —
Massachusetts' next casino was granted special permission to serve alcohol for two extra hours each day.
Representatives of Encore Boston Harbor, which is scheduled to open June 23, asked the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to permit alcohol service on the gaming floor through 4 a.m.
The commission voted Wednesday 4-1 to approve the license, which will apply only to customers who are actively gaming at the casino.
Massachusetts' laws limit most businesses to serving alcohol between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 a.m.
The MGM Springfield Casino was previously granted permission to serve alcohol through 4 a.m., but in the final two hours they are limited to serving customers who are actively engaged in gaming.
Like the MGM casino, the Encore proposal limits alcohol service during the final two hours to customers who are actively gambling.
Cash bars elsewhere in the resort would deploy tap locks and technological means to stop service after 2 a.m.