An anti-smoking organization is raising hay over what it describes as a “hidden provision” within Maryland legislation that opens the door to cigar smoking at MGM National Harbor.
The bill in question, sponsored by the Prince George’s County delegation to the House of Delegates, would authorize the county’s Board of License Commissioners to award MGM National Harbor with entertainment concessionaire and entertainment facility licenses.
It is estimated that MGM will host upward of a dozen entertainment concessionaires within its $1.3 billion, 1 million-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
The licenses generally allow the sale of beer, wine and liquor by the glass or bottle, and consumption “anywhere” in the entertainment facility, including the hotel. The bill prohibits complimentary service of food and alcohol on the gaming floor, “except in designated premium player areas,” and allows for the playing of music and dancing.