The legal age limit for visitors to the Chumash Casino have now changed from 18 to 21 as the casino has been granted temporary permission to serve alcohol. From 9 am until 1 am, the casino can serve alcohol on the gambling floor for a period of 120 days. The Department of Alcohol Beverage Control gave permission for the temporary license while the ABC judge reviews the casino to decide if the permit will be made final.

The Chumash Casino hinted at a change on their Facebook page earlier in the week. On Facebook, the casino posted that ‘Exciting changes’ were coming to the casino and they would soon be unveiling amenities that would enhance the overall experience at the casino resort. In preparation of the changes, the casino announced the age limit was changing to a minimum of 21 years of age.

Vincent Armenta, the Tribal Chairman, stated that alcohol will be available for purchase and consumption in the gaming floor area. Armenta stated that area would be chosen by the casino and that as an operator, the Chumash Casino has proven they can operate in a responsible in regards to alcohol and will continue to do so under the new guidelines by the ABC Board.

There are those who are opposed to the idea of the casino serving alcohol, including the Third District Supervisor Doreen Farr and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. Both have stated publicly they are not in support of the permit and they plan to appeal the ruling. Before the temporary permit was approved, the casino had limited options for alcohol, which included special events and restaurant dining only.