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Hard Rock Settles Drug Complaint
The hotel recently agreed to pay out $650,000 to settle the complaint, which charged that security guards and VIP hosts at two clubs on the property sold drugs to patrons.
The complaint reportedly detailed numerous undercover operations at the now-closed Body English and Vanity nightclubs, in which HRH staff sold police and state agents drugs including Ecstasy and cocaine.
In one instance, an undercover officer was even granted permission to smoke marijuana in a bathroom after paying a security guard $80, the complaint said.
The hotel acknowledged in the settlement that if the matter had gone to a hearing before state regulators, it was likely the Gaming Control Board could have proven its case and revoked the casino’s gambling license.
“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino takes this issue very seriously, and has cooperated fully with the Gaming Control Board,” President Joseph Magliarditi said in a statement. “We have entered into a stipulation and made a number of proactive changes to address and resolve these matters. We remain committed to conducting our operations in accordance with all gaming regulatory requirements.”
HRH has reportedly fired all employees included in the complaint and instituted a random drug-test policy for all staff.
The property is not owned by Hard Rock Café International, which filed suit in September to end a licensing agreement with the Vegas hotel.