License granted with conditions for Nevada Restaurant Services manager who disclosed past addiction

The Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended approval on March 12 of Kennedy Putman’s application for a key-employee license at Nevada Restaurant Services, conditioning the finding on a three-year limitation and mandatory random drug testing at the applicant’s expense for 36 months.

Putman, who manages a network of company locations, told the board she has been clean and sober since April 15, 2023. She described her path from bartender to regional manager, explained how she organizes daily operations across roughly 49 locations and five direct reports, and acknowledged a prior tax reporting mistake that she has since corrected.

Paula Graciano, president of Nevada Restaurant Services, and counsel Canon Smith supported Putman’s application, citing her reliability, managerial skill and strong on-the-job performance. Graciano relayed staff testimonials praising Putman’s organization and leadership.

Board members discussed the applicant’s recovery and the addictive nature of past substance use. Several members said they were persuaded by Putman’s candor, her support network, and the employer’s backing but wanted a monitoring mechanism to reduce regulatory risk. The board adopted the condition requiring random drug testing in the time, place and manner the control board determines appropriate, at the applicant’s cost, for 36 months, and limited the license to three years with a review at the March 2029 meeting.

The motion to recommend approval, subject to the limitation and testing condition, passed on a recorded vote.