Mayors Divided On Late Last Call At Encore Boston Harbor

EVERETT, MA — Wynn Resorts is seeking permission from state gambling regulators to extend last call at its upcoming resort and casino and Everett. Representatives from Encore Boston Harbor, set to open in June, asked the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last week to allow alcohol on the casino floor until 4 a.m.

State law limits alcohol service between the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. The MGM Springfield Casino is exempt from the law, though alcohol may only be served to customers who are actively gambling from 2-4 a.m. Encore would be subject to the same restriction.

But Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is tepid about keeping the party in Everett going until the wee hours. Walsh urged the Gaming Commission to be "respectful of the surrounding cities and towns" in considering an extension and said Encore should have to "make a case" for selling alcohol until 4 a.m., according to the Boston Herald.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, on the other hand, told the Herald Encore needs the extended hours to keep up with its international clientele.

The resort and casino is set to open June 23. Wynn Resorts has until May 31 to pay a $35 million fine levied by gambling officials following an investigation into the company's suitability to hold a gaming license in Massachusetts.