By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

COLUMBUS, Kan. — Those expecting wine, champagne and a taste of “The Good Life’’ during Tony Bennett’s performance at Downstream Casino Resort on Saturday, Sept. 6, might be a bit disappointed.

Concert-goers will have to settle for beer.

Cherokee County Commissioners on Friday rushed through approval of a beer license for the concert, allowing the casino to serve beer with a 3.2 percent alcohol content for drinking on premises at the concert.

The casino’s outdoor concert venue is in Cherokee County, though the casino is in Ottawa County, Okla.

A casino official on Monday requested permission from commissioners to serve alcoholic drinks at the concert. County Counselor Kevin Cure said by phone Friday that his research determined that wouldn’t be an option. He said Cherokee County is a dry county, meaning individual servings of liquor can’t be sold within the county.

John Cirrincione, Downstream general manager, said he was grateful that commissioners were able to accommodate the casino on short notice.

“We’re very pleased with the level of cooperation,” Cirrincione said.

“We want to be good neighbors to Downstream,” said Commissioner Pat Collins, again mentioning that the casino employs Cherokee County residents.

The casino paid the required $75 fee for its beer license.

Cirrincione said there were still some tickets available for the Tony Bennett performance.

“Tony Bennett’s a very big act,” Cirrincione said. “He’s a true headliner.”

Cirrincione also asked commissioners if they could assist with ensuring good weather for the concert.

“We’ll do our best,” Collins said.