Senate Bill 38, which has been approved by the Nevada Senate, was recently heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which seeks stricter regulation for employees of nightclubs. “I think the intent here is to provide some kind of coverage for casino operators,” said A.G. Burnett, chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Burnett points out that the licensed establishment is at risk, and the bill would provide a way for a key nightclub employee to “be kicked out of the system.” With nightclubs operated by third parties, instead of the casinos themselves, employees are not as heavily screened as casino employees.
The Palms found themselves on the wrong end of a $1 million fine from the Nevada Gaming Commission in 2013, after an undercover investigation revealed drug and prostitution allegations. Two years prior, the Hard Rock was fined $650,000 for similar charges.
Russell Rowe, lobbyist for Hakkasan, and also an international nightclub operator, supports the bill. Rowe said seven of the top 10 global nightclubs are in Las Vegas. He wants “unwanted elements” out of the industry.
