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Fine Recommended for Harrah's Alcohol Violation

ATLANTIC CITY - The guy was so drunk that he fell on the floor, knocked over one of his drinks and got a little too amorous with the ladies at the bar. Still, the drinks kept flowing - 10 tequila shooters in all.

"The bizarre incident in 2003 involving a tip-happy bartender and an inebriated customer at Harrah's Atlantic City has proved to be a sobering experience for the casino.

"In a decision released Thursday, a member of the state Casino Control Commission recommended a $50,000 fine against Harrah's for violating New Jersey laws prohibiting businesses from serving drinks to a visibly intoxicated patron.

"'Violations of New Jersey's alcoholic beverage service regulations create the condition for intolerable risk to public safety and for lasting public censure of the casino industry,' Commissioner William T. Sommeling wrote in his initial decision, which is expected to be formally approved later by the full, five-member board.

"…Harrah's security cameras captured the man's boorish behavior on videotape. During his drinking binge, he fell on the floor and had to be helped to his feet, knocked over a drink and was 'excessively physical' with women at the bar, according to Sommeling's report.

"…Sommeling, who served as hearing officer in the case, issued a 13-page report that denounced Harrah's for allowing the incident to occur, but praised it for its corporate and community programs to combat alcohol abuse and underage drinking…"

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