Hard Rock takes steps to curb drug use
One example of the Hard Rock’s new “zero tolerance” of drug use or drug sales on its property is the recent arrest of someone identified only as “a popular entertainer.”
The arrest was “recent” and the entertainer was detained by the Hard Rock’s security and arrested by Las Vegas police for possession of illegal drugs.
Hard Rock security has gone from providing drugs and two private restrooms at its Vanity nightclub for people to indulge in drugs and sex to a zero tolerance policy. Or so it says in documents made public Wednesday.
Hard Rock bosses were slow to clean up their act despite warnings from the control board. But the $600,000 payment to settle the Gaming Control Board complaint eventually grabbed the attention of the Hard Rock bosses. The complaint said undercover stings showed that hosts and security personnel were selling or providing drugs to customers in 2009 and 2010.
Control Board member Randall Sayre said Wednesday, the day the complaint was settled and his last day on the job, that problems with rogue security guards are not just the exclusive problem of the Hard Rock.
“Many security guards are good, but that’s a profound amount of authority on a property,” Sayre said, adding there seems to be a lack of due diligence in management oversight of security personnel in some gaming establishments.
The Hard Rock, upon receiving an earlier draft of Wednesday’s complaint terminated employees, including key executives at its nightclub.
Hard Rock executives didn’t want a replay of what happened at Planet Hollywood, following an earlier control board complaint about drugs and prostitution. In the aftermath, Clark County officials yanked the liquor license for Prive’ Nightlub and it was forced to close.
Wonder if policing illegal activities at Las Vegas nightclubs and pools will remain a priority for the Gaming Control Board now that Sayre is not there? Or will properties feel free to relax their newfound zero tolerance policies? Hope it’s the former and not the latter.
