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Antiterror Rules Affect Riverboat Casinos20 May 2003WASHINGTON, DC -- As reported by the Associated Press: "New antiterror rules could bring unreasonable costs and mean delays for family-owned ferries, sightseeing cruise lines and riverboat casinos and perhaps drive smaller companies out of business, maritime industry officials say. "As proposed, the rules would require ships that carry at least 150 passengers to pay for extra security and maybe to screen all passengers, cargo and baggage. The Coast Guard has left open the possibility of extending the rules to smaller vessels as well. "...Under a law enacted last year, many U.S. coastal facilities, ports and ships must develop security plans by July 2004 and pay for guards, alarms, cameras and metal detectors. "...The rules would force many domestic vessels, the nation's 361 public ports and other piers, terminals and loading docks to comply with security protocols more typically associated with ships and ports involved in international seafaring. "...Riverboat casinos in Illinois, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi emphasized their existing security and general lack of mobility in hopes of fending off a requirement that they screen all their guests..." |