SANTA YNEZ, Calif. - The request to expand the liquor license for the Chumash Casino has been approved by the Alcoholic Beverage Control agency. Here is the statement from the ABC that details what is involved with the expansion:
ABC STATEMENT:
- The ABC has adopted a proposed decision by an Administrative Law Judge to approve an alcoholic beverage license expansion application at the Chumash Casino.
- The Administrative Law Judge determined that there was insufficient evidence to support a claim that issuance of the license will lead to an increase in crime or create or aggravate a law enforcement problem.
- ABC is aware that an expansion of the licensed area inside the premises may result in more patrons going to the location. It is expected that the licensee will be vigilant in checking identifications and help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, and be compliant with all ABC laws and regulations.
- ABC will stay in close contact with local law enforcement to ensure that any concerns about public safety are addressed.
- Since the applied for license will replace one of two licenses in the existing premises and the second license will be canceled upon issuance of the applied for license, the license count in the Census Tract will not increase.
- The Administrative Law Judge determined that there wasn't enough evidence to support a claim that issuance of the license will result in or add to an undue concentration of licenses.
- The Administrative Law Judge determined there wasn't enough evidence to support a claim that approving the license will have an adverse impact upon the county park should the license issue.
- Since the County has no jurisdiction over such tribal land, no zoning approval is required from the County.
- The Administrative Law Judge did not find evidence that minors are obtaining alcoholic beverages inside the premises or that they will be able to obtain alcoholic beverages if the license is issued, particularly in light of controls put into place by the applicant and the conditions attached to the license.
- An Interim Retail Permit (IRP) was initially approved on 9-30-10 and has been renewed every 120 days since that date.
- ABC approved the IRP because both the Sheriff and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors withdrew their protests upon the signing of the imposed conditions and because ABC's investigation indicated that conditional issuance was appropriate.
BELOW ARE THE LICENSE CONDITIONS THAT THE LICENSEE MUST ADHERE TO:
ABC amended the conditions upon request of the Sheriff's Dept. The most recent version (18 conditions) was signed by the applicant on 06/22/11.
1 There will be no sales, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the gaming floor as
designated on the ABC-257 dated 3-24-10.
2 There will be no sales, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the area designated as "Chumash Cafe", as defined on the ABC-257 dated 3-24-10.
3 The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises is strictly prohibited.
4 The quarterly gross sales of alcoholic beverages shall not exceed the gross sales of food during the same period. The licensee shall at all times maintain records which reflect separately the gross sale of food and the gross sales of alcoholic beverages of the licensed business. Said records shall be kept no less frequently than on a quarterly basis and shall be made available to the Department on demand.
5 The parking lot of the premises shall be equipped with lighting of sufficient power to illuminate and make easily discernible the appearance and conduct of all persons on or about the parking lots and structures.
6 The licensee will comply fully and submit to Section 25755 B&P, in that, all peace officers as defined
in California Penal Code sections 830.1 and 830.2, during the scope of their employment as peace
officers, may visit and inspect the premises when the licensee is exercising their license privileges.
7 The licensee will insure that all alcoholic beverage sales staff receives appropriate training in the sale
and handling of alcoholic beverages such as offered by the Department in the LEAD program.
8 The sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall only be allowed on the premises
between the hours of 9:00 AM and Midnight on Sunday through Thursday and from 9:00 AM until
1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.
9 There shall be no "Happy Hours" when alcoholic beverages are offered at discount prices that are less
than standard prices.
10 That local government, including the County Sheriff, the District County Supervisor and the Mayor of
Solvang, be notified by the Department in writing if this alcoholic beverage license is being
considered for an amendment or any additional alcoholic beverage licenses are being applied for by
the Tribe or its agents.
11 No person under 21 years of age will be allowed to rent or stay in hotel guestrooms where Controlled
Access Cabinets containing alcoholic beverages are unlocked unless accompanied by an adult parent
or guardian.
12 There will be no sales, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the area designated as the
"Showroom", as defined on the ABC-257 dated 3-24-10, when Class II gaming, as defined by The
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 25 U.S.C. Sec 2701 et seq, is in process.
13 At all times that alcoholic beverages are being sold, served or consumed within the area of the
premises designated as "Showroom", as defined on the ABC-257 dated 3-24-10, at least 80% of the
floor space of the "Showroom" will be used solely for meal service for guests, and must possess
dining tables and chairs, along with necessary utensils, table service, and condiment dispensers with
which to serve meals to the public.
14 Sales, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the area designated as "Hotel", as defined on
the ABC-257 dated 3-24-10, other than in the individual guest rooms will be restricted to hotel guests
and/or hotel event attendees present by written invitation.
15 The licensee will develop and maintain a designated driver program where licensee will offer free
non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.
16 Service of alcoholic beverages shall be permitted only in conjunction with contemporaneous service
of food. In the Showroom, service of alcoholic beverages shall be permitted only in conjunction with
contemporaneous service of banquet-style meals.
17 Sales, service or consumption of alcoholic beverages during any performance or exhibition of boxing
events or "mixed martial arts" shall be prohibited.
18 The sale of distilled spirits by the bottle for same day or future consumption is prohibited.
