Hollywood Casino in Jamul has been granted a permanent license to serve alcohol at its gaming venue.

Despite objections voiced by many Jamul residents, including county Supervisor Dianne Jacob, California Administrative Law Judge Adam Berg issued a ruling Wednesday stating that the casino can serve alcohol.

The venue is run by Penn National Gaming in an unincorporated area of the county belonging to the Jamul Indian Village, a 67-member tribe.

“We are pleased that Judge Berg recognized our commitment to responsible beverage service and to keeping our guests and the community safe,” Jamul Indian Village Tribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto said. “We know that serving alcohol is a serious responsibility, and one that we do not take lightly.”

“The tribe and Hollywood are still committed to road improvements and we are working on right-of-ways. W e have a lot of security and have a collective effort from the tribe and a commitment to keeping the area safe.”

Jacob and others have objected to a permanent license for the casino for several years. She has cited concerns about traffic safety and general safety for the rural community and visitors traveling on Highway 94, a winding, dark rural road.

“This decision is a big slap in the face to the community,” Jacob said. “The fact is that this big, bad mistake of a casino has made driving on the dangerous state highway even more risky.”

Hollywood Casino opened one year ago with a temporary license to serve alcohol. The casino is open 24 hours a day, serving alcohol from 10 a.m. until 1:30 a.m.

The County of San Diego, the Sheriff’s Department, the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District and thousands of residents protested the license.

Most of the objections related to the effect the casino and sale of alcohol could have on rural, two-lane state Route 94, which is the primary access to Jamul.

Berg’s ruling noted that “protestants raised legitimate concerns with the impact the casino and alcoholic beverage service might have on the surrounding area.”

He said, though, that “a preponderance of evidence” showed that the license is “not contrary to the public welfare or morals.”

His decision becomes effective Nov. 24.

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