Casino Worries Overshadow Restaurant Festivities

New Mexico restaurants have been noticing a reduction in revenue since the tribal casino compacts were signed in 1995. An Albuquerque Journal North Section article about the festivities at the New Mexico Association awards dinner relates the following: "Elizabeth Lou' McLod, co-owner of Julian's, was named restaurateur of the year at the Feb. 18 New Mexico Restaurant Association awards dinner-but not everyone felt they had something to celebrate. As the Legislature grapples with Indian gaming compacts, restaurant owners are watching their revenues decline, and they blame the casinos.

"McLod and other winners were applauded, but there was an undercurrent of worry at this year's dinner-worry about the effect gambling has had on the New Mexico restaurant industry.

Dr. Guy C. Clark, Executive Director

New Mexico Coalition Against Gambling