New Hampshire's Concord Starts Initiative to Limit Casino Areas and Operating Hours
The authorities of Concord, NH, have suggested an ordinance intending to limit the places where casinos could be in the city. Further limitations might also be accepted.
Recently, the city's planning board supported these restrictions in the first phase, with the aim of reducing the sites of casino activities.
Concord's local residents will have the chance to express their thoughts on this touchy matter during a public hearing planned for July 8. The City Council might also share their opinions on this topic.
However, the city cannot prohibit casinos.
Tim Thompson, Concord's assistant director of community development, explained to the planning board on Wednesday that we are a home-rule state, meaning municipalities can only perform actions sanctioned by the law, as stated in the Concord Monitor.
Under New Hampshire legislation, the state allows charitable gaming in communities.
"We are restricted from barring their use, but can regulate it," Thompson informed Planning Board members.
Proposed Regulations
According to the new plan, gaming operations would be allowed in parts of Concord where they could be seen as supplementary uses.
These full-time, standalone casinos would be barred under the proposal, as mentioned in the Monitor. Casinos could only operate four times annually, according to the report.
The gaming entities might be associated with places of worship or non-profits. Examples include bingo-related activities.
Under the current ordinances, charitable gaming facilities in Concord are viewed as "commercial indoor recreation facilities" and are allowed in multiple areas of the city.
"Those are permitted in various standard zoning districts that aren't ideal for such activities to take place," Thompson confided in the board.
Sanborn's Casinos Untouched
The recent proposal would not influence the two charitable casinos related to controversial casino owner, Andy Sanborn. His first casino, the Concord Casino, is closed currently, and is found within The Draft Sports Bar and Grill.
Sanborn was instructed to sell the gambling property, whose license is suspended. If he does not comply, his license would be taken away.
Sanborn's propriety was declared unsuitable to maintain a charitable casino license due to a state hearing that examined his appeal for COVID relief funds. It has been reported that he received $844K in federal pandemic funds after a wrong application and misuse of funds.
There were accusations that $181K was used for two Porsche race cars, $80K for his wife, State Rep. Laurie Sanborn (R), and more than $183K on rent.
In January, Sanborn was expected to start looking for a buyer to take over the business. Little progress was seen in the sale as of early this year. The process must be finished before July 1, per New Hampshire authorities' ruling.
Sanborn's second proposed casino, in Concord, has yet to open.
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Source: www.casino.org
