2006 Free Drinks in PA Casinos?!

• November 27, 2006: Reformers, including Clean Sweep, Democracy Rising, Rock the Capital, and the Pink Pig ask Ed Rendell to veto a measure permitting unlimited free drinks to be served at slot machine casinos.

Mr. Epstein claimed that legislators "produced a holiday turkey and left us with the bill. They haven't changed the core behaviors that produce rotten legislation." He urged the governor to talk to groups representing state tavern and restaurant owners, some of whom think the bill provides an unfair advantage to casinos.

Mr. Epstein said the opinions of Mothers Against Drunk Driving should also be sought because the free liquor at casinos could increase drunk driving. (Please refer to LCB push to get mom drunk on Mothers Day.)

• December 1, 2006: “Governor Rendell signed into law one of the most socially irresponsible laws of our time. A law with only one aim—to fatten gambling interests in Pennsylvania on the backs of the state's most vulnerable citizens. “With a swipe of his pen, Rendell on Wednesday authorized slots parlors in the state to serve unlimited amounts of free booze to anyone willing to keep gambling. They can do it nonstop from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.” (“Philadelphia Inquirer,” Op-Ed, December 1, 2006.)