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Pauma Casino Room is Dry Zone

PAUMA INDIAN RESERVATION, California – As reported by the San Diego Tribune: "Seeing the 'no alcohol' signs in a small, new annex of Casino Pauma, some gamblers ask, 'How come we can drink everywhere in the casino but here?'

"…Part of it has to do with the Pauma Indian band's new state gambling compact. Part of it has to do with a county about-face concerning potential impacts.

"…Pauma decided some time ago it needed a little more floor space to install 200 additional slots in its North County casino, for a total of 1,050, while pursuing its plans for a much larger Hard Rock resort-casino.

"The tribe sent the county an environmental assessment in September on the proposed 7,200-square-foot expansion to its 65,000-square-foot building.

"…The county's legal office sent a letter Nov. 1 asking for the more detailed environmental review.

"…Instead, it proceeded to plan construction of its addition. California tribes have to meet state building-safety codes, but they don't have to go through county inspections.

"In the meantime, Pauma contacted the state alcohol-control department around January or February, asking about extending its liquor license to the add-on room. The department's North County supervisor called the county's tribal liaison, Chantal Saipe, and was told the county had unresolved concerns about the project.

"…Pauma opened its new slot room without fanfare around late March. At first, security guards were posted to keep gamblers from bringing drinks into the area. Now, a large yellow sign warns that no alcohol consumption is allowed…"

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