Proposal to Sell Alcohol in Baggage Claim of Las Vegas Airport
Advocacy groups are concerned about an increase in the number of Las Vegas drunk driving accidents if the county government approves a proposal to open a liquor store in the city's airport terminal.


July 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Drunk driving accidents happen in Vegas, but the fatal and costly results may not stay in Vegas. They could haunt drivers and victims long after their vacations end, and they could happen as soon as travelers leave the airport.

Advocacy groups and others are concerned about an increase in the number of Las Vegas drunk driving accidents if the county government approves a proposal to open a liquor store in the city's airport terminal. The store would be near the baggage claim carousels. Clark County commissioners gave preliminary approval to the proposal but have not made a final decision.

County Commissioner Tom Collins told CNN, "We're different, and it's about tourism, and it's about making money, and it's about getting our economy turned around." The human cost, however, could be great.

First U.S. Airport With Liquor Store

Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport would become the first airport in the United States with such an outlet. The airport has plenty of bars in the terminal, but they do not sell package liquor. For such alcohol, nearby liquor stores do brisk business when motorists make their first stop within a few miles of the airport.

Government officials hope that adding the package liquor option in the airport would direct more liquor revenues into county coffers. They believe a store could raise up to $600,000 per year. In turn, the added revenue could offset reduced airline fees and boost tourism.

On the other hand, the liquor store proposal also brings up worries that travelers will take a drink on the way to the parking lot or rental car pickup. Drivers might also feel more entitled to start drinking before they arrive at their hotels, thereby endangering others on the road.

Worth the Risk?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nevada saw 1.6 alcohol-related traffic fatalities per million vehicle-miles traveled in 2008, a rate higher than the national average.

Is raising revenues for the county worth the risk? In addition to stiff penalties for drunk drivers -- a first DUI offense in Nevada can bring two days to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, as well as a potential license suspension -- the harm to victims of drunk drivers is devastating. Victims of drunk drivers can suffer life-changing injuries or be killed.

Those who have been harmed by a drunk driver should consult a Las Vegas attorney to learn about their legal options.

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